The Hillsboro Planning Commission on Nov. 12 denied the developer of the Orenco Woods Crossing subdivision a modification to its plan for 252 houses to be built at the former Elks Club golf course in "Old Orenco."  Venture Properties, the developer, had requested a modification which would allow a few small businesses to be built at the site.

The five commissioners voting alluded to concerns over increased traffic generated by businesses that would locate there. A couple commissioners didn't seem to think the developers should be able to amend an approved plan.

Now, there may be a lot of background I am unaware of, but on the basis of what commissioners said in denying Venture's bid, the decision  appeared ridiculous.  Residents' experience at Orenco Station, where commercial and residential usage is mixed, should have eliminated any traffic concerns.  Did the commissioners bother to ask? Did it occur to any of them that Hillsboro already has such a development and that it's inordinately successful in reducing traffic?

Over the past year, groups from all over America and foreign countries have toured the Orenco Station neighborhood, getting off their buses, snapping photos, walking the streets in wide-eyed fascination. I've heard that China, in planning residential subdivisions to mitigate the dislocation of millions of people from farms to cities, is planning its suburbs along the lines of Orenco Station.  Why? So many reasons, not the least of which is trying to maintain air quality by reducing the need for cars.

An idea, apparently, that was lost on Planning Commissioners.

Nevermind that Orenco Woods is zoned for commercial integration. Nevermind that Venture's original application was held up for NOT including commercial use.  Nevermind that mixed commercial demonstrably use REDUCES traffic.

I checked the Planning Commission's website to determine on what basis it may approve or disapprove of applications. I assumed a Mission Statement or some other enabling statement would be included at the "About Us" link.

That part is under construction.