Local initiative petition filed regarding city-owned parks

Chief petitioner is Susan Crowley, who has advocated for years against the city’s sale of Morrison Park and its rezoning to allow for housing.

Measure No. 14-67’s caption would read, “Amendment to the city charter regarding disposal of city park,” and ask voters:

“Shall Hood River revise its charter to prohibit the disposal of any city park land without a public vote?

Under state rules, the city reviewed the prospective petition for compliance with constitutional and other legal requirements, drafted the ballot title, and has advertised the proposed ballot title in the Hood River News and on the city website.

Mayor Paul Blackburn stated, “While I respect the petitioner’s right to engage in the initiative process, I also maintain the integrity of the council’s very complex decision to rezone 2.76 acres of a 10-acre park for affordable, income-restricted housing.”

Barring challenges, petitioners plan to collect signatures to place the proposed amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot.