Frequently Asked Questions
What is this text amendment thing all about?
The owners of the Rock Creek Country Club would like to remove the "open space overlay" that keeps the golf course from being turned into something else. Without the protection of the open space overlay, the land could be re-zoned and developed. They attempted to do this by re-writing a small part of the community plan with a "text amendment" as though the open space overlay was placed there in error. It was not an error, nor was it a minor little issue- the implications for community planning all over Oregon are huge. The residents of Rock Creek heard about the amendment, and banded together to stop it.
Who are the Friends of Rock Creek?
Friends of Rock Creek, Inc. is organized as a nonprofit community organization devoted primarily to preserving the community's traditions, land use, zoning, and open space designations by representing it before local legislature and administrative agencies that have authority over such matters. The goal of the corporation is maintain and enhance the quality of life in the Rock Creek Community.
I heard the golf course owners backed down- why do you still need our help?
It is true- faced with a certain defeat, the owners of the Rock Creek Country Club did withdraw their request for the text amendment. This was just the first round, a chance for the RCCC to get it done cheaply and with little public outcry. Since we rose up en mass to block them, the Rock Creek Country Club will have to try another tactic. Friends of Rock Creek is ready to fight, but the golf course owners' next move will most likely involve the courts, and that means much greater expense. We need to be prepared for a protracted legal battle, and that requires funds. Thanks to a great many people in the community, we are off to a good start, but we will need ongoing contributions to continue through the process.
What should I include in a letter to the County Commissioners?
Please write a polite thank-you letter, for their thoughtful consideration of the impact removing the open-space overlay from the Rock Creek Country Club would have on our community. Be sure to refer to the effect additional development would have on:
- Traffic
- Our Schools
- Property Values
- Wildlife
- The fabric of our Community
How do I contact our County Commissioners?
They can be reached at the following addresses:
Washington County Board of Commissioners
155 N. First Avenue, Suite 300, MS 22
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Email to:
Commissioner Tom Brian
Commissioner Dick Schouten
Commissioner Desari Strader
Commissioner Roy Rogers
Commissioner Andy Duyck