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The existing conditions of the Broughton site are hardly worthy of a national treasure like the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area?that?s why the Gorge Commission wants this ?discordant landscape feature? redeveloped as a visually subordinate recreation resort.

Broughton landing is neither ?unplanned? nor a ?a condo project?. The site?s commercial recreation zoning means that commercial recreation is exactly what?s been planned for the site by the Management Plan. The proposed redevelopment has been carefully planned through an exceptionally inclusive two and a half year planning process that included significant input from numerous stakeholders including the Friends of the Gorge. Despite, or perhaps because of the reality that the mill is outside the urban growth boundaries and has been developed at an industrial scale since the 1920s, these stakeholders recognized the need for improving conditions on this site. Redeveloping this former mill as a sustainable resort that complies with the scenic standards will clearly be an improvement over the current blight. The Gorge Commission?s proposed Plan Amendment will prohibit permanent residency so it will not be a ?de-facto urban area?. It will also raise the standards from ?protection? to ?enhancement? of resources, a change that should be championed by the Friends of the Gorge.

I agree that the gorge is a ?living, working landscape.? As the area?s economy has transitioned in recent decades from extractive resources like lumber to sustainable resources like tourism, it seems fitting that a former lumber mill would be redeveloped as a sustainable resort serving outdoor recreation.

Mike Usen, AICP
Senior Environmental Planner
SE Group

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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