PDX Update

By

The Portland Tribune, Jul 15, 2003, Updated Oct 30, 2009

SERVICE

Peace Corps mum on death

The Peace Corps still has not released any details about the death of 23-year-old Zachary Merrill in Africa.

Merrill, who grew up in Portland, graduated from Lake Oswego High School and Northwestern University. He then volunteered for the Peace Corps, serving nearly two years in Kampolosso, Mali.

He had just requested a one-year service extension when he died July 7.

According to a Peace Corps news release, Mali police and U.S. diplomats are investigating the circumstances surrounding Merrill’s death.

A Peace Corps spokeswoman would not elaborate on the nature of the investigation, or whether Merrill died from natural causes or was killed.

Merrill’s parents, Karen and Andy Merrill of Portland, referred all questions to Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C.

According to the Peace Corps, Merrill’s work involved the construction of drinking water wells and the development of a women’s gardening project. He had learned to speak the African language used in the region and was known throughout the village by his adopted nickname, Mahamedou Dembele.

CITY

Waterfront plan awaits vote

Despite neighborhood opposition and lingering questions about some financing elements, the City Council appears poised to approve the first phase of the South Waterfront redevelopment plan July 31.

The complex agreement will guide the redevelopment of 35 acres within the 130-acre North Macadam Urban Renewal Area along the west bank of the Willamette River just south of the Ross Island Bridge.

It is the most expensive urban renewal plan ever considered by the council. If approved, the city, Oregon Health & Science University and private developers will spend nearly $103 million during the next few years on new roads, water systems, housing, office buildings and parks.

The city is expected to pay

$14 million for infrastructure improvements, with the money coming from increased property values. The council could be forced to find other funding in the future if the values do not increase as much as expected.

The agreement also includes spending $15.5 million on an aerial tram linking the redevelopment area to OHSU. The tram is opposed by neighbors living under the route that runs through the Corbett/Terwilliger/Lair Hill neighborhood. Tram financing comprises $2 million from the city, $4 million from OHSU and $9.5 from a local improvement district.

Leonard unveils reforms

City Commissioner Randy Leonard is following through on his campaign promise to overhaul the Bureau of Development Services, the agency that issues building permits and enforces zoning codes.

During his campaign to succeed Charlie Hales on the City Council, Leonard repeatedly criticized the bureau for being too slow and the staff for not treating the public with respect.

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