move2westlinn

Ron Ares April 17th, 2008

If you’ve followed the West Linn news, you know that the city has had a few bumps and bruises over the past couple years. Mismanagement, embezzling, poor budget and audit practices, and so on.

In his State of the City transcript, published by the West Linn Tidings, Mayor Norm King acknowledges it:

…our more recent history is riddled with mismanagement, which is like a restrictor plate on our forward movement

But the mayor is bullish on the future:

I will be the first to admit that there are times that public service can be daunting. Many of you have likely read the blog posts, or seen the public testimony on television, and it can seem like we’re constantly faced with vitriol and spite. Some people in this community seem intent on promoting a message of gridlock and distrust, and it can drag down your spirit and make you question your motives.

But then, something happens. It might result from an article in the newspaper, a story you hear over coffee, or an event you attend in your neighborhood. You learn about things happening in West Linn and it gives your attitude a kick in the pants. You realize that this community isn’t defined by the incivility of some, but the positive activism of many. If you think about your past year, I know you’ve had similar experiences where you’re reminded why West Linn is a great place to live.

The mayor goes on to cite a number of examples of community spirit and volunteerism. We certainly hope civic officials regain momentum and add strong leadership to the favorable community and natural attributes that make West Linn a great place to live.

Read the Tiding’s full coverage of Mayor King’s address.

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Ron Ares March 6th, 2008

It’s not an official demographic study or anything…

But it’s nice to know that local citizens and the police work together make living in West Linn a positive experience.

Read how a wallet with $2,000 cash gets found and returned intact.

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Ron Ares December 19th, 2007

Something we hear often is that the school system is a major attraction for home buyers in West Linn–and for good reason. West Linn elementary, middle and high schools are among the highest rated in the state.

We’ve compiled a list of school performance report cards by the Oregon Department of Education for the past 5 years, sorted by school below. Note how many “Exceptional” and “Strong” ratings that WL schools receive:
West Linn-Wilsonville SD 3J

Please note we left the Wilsonville schools in the list, since they are a part of the district.

The Oregonian also provides some demographic, financial, staffing, and test score information for West Linn, too.

Visit the Oregon Department of Education site for more information about scores and other districts.

Technorati Tags: West Linn, Oregon, schools, education, primary, elementary, middle, high school, scores, grades, standards, homes, houses

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Ron Ares November 29th, 2007

Off our normal real estate commentary, but reading the police blotter at the West Linn Tidings provides some comic relief…and reveals a little about your neighbors.

Here’s a sample:

· 11/12, 5:29 a.m.; A West Linn man asked officers to come to his apartment because he was worried about the dead people who live in his shoe. An officer went to the apartment, checked the shoes and reported that everything was OK. The officer also told the man to call his doctor and ask to have his medication changed.

· 11/13, 3:53 p.m.; A West Linn man asked officers to come to his home because he was hearing noises in his bedroom and he “feels evil in the air.” Police checked his bedroom, and assured the man that no one was in the room or under the bed.

Note, these are back-to-back entries in the police blotter. Perhaps a wave of malevolent evil sweeping West Linn?

Look for the Police Log every week at the West Linn Tidings.

Technorati Tags: West Linn, Oregon, police, blotter, report, crime, humor

Photo by Buggs, used under Creative Commons license.

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Ron Ares September 5th, 2007

West Linn’s weekly newspaper, the Tidings, is on the hunt for story ideas for their upcoming Homes section and you can participate.

From the Tiding’s web site:

Have you ever been in a friend’s house and thought it was fabulous? Solved a way to keep a closet or home office organized? Worked with a contractor that needs some recognition for a job well done?

Fill us in.

If you take note of an interesting home improvement project, others probably will also. Where do we get our ideas for the Homes section?

From you, the reader.

We are currently looking for submission ideas on the following topics:

• Unique homes
• Home improvement
• Tips for home repairs
• Real estate agents
• Interior decorating
• Landscaping
• Cleaning
• Home organization

On my wishlist? Wacky neighbors and their choice of house colors, yard decorations, or ‘remodeling’ projects. I presume stories would need to be anonymously submitted, which I assume news organizations frown upon. Oh well…..

To submit your own story idea, contact:
Nicole DeCosta, Homes section coordinator
West Linn Tidings
400 Second Street, Lake Oswego, Ore., 97034
E-mail: ndecosta (at) westlinntidings.com
Phone: 503-635-8811

You can also contact Nicole if you’re a real estate agent, decorator, landscaper, etc., and want to be added to their contact list for future requests.

Technorati Tags: West Linn, Oregon, real estate, market, homes, Tidings, Lake Oswego, Review, stories, news

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Jody McLeod June 1st, 2007

I am an avid gardener and have found myself occasionally (okay, okay - waaay more than I probably should) stopping by at one of the local nurseries. According to my husband I don’t really need to buy any more plants, but I just can’t seem to keep from looking. Below is a run-down on a few of the fabulous plant nurseries we have in West Linn:

1. Aspen Grove Nursery, 23225 SW Bosky Dell Ln, (503) 638-5388
2. Bosky Dell Natives, 23311 sw Bosky Dell Ln, (503) 638-5945
3. Oregon Grape Nursery (and Footpath Cafe), 65 Dollar St, (503) 656-7199
4. Kasch’s Garden Center and Nursery, 19080 Willamette Dr, (503) 636-7744
5. Bamboo and Koi Garden, 2115 SW Borland Rd, (503) 638-0888
6. Willamette General Store (garden center in back), 1720 Willamette Falls Dr, (503) 656-7344
7. Kordell’s Produce, 10 Rosemont Rd, (503) 638-1014
8. Foggia & Sons Nursery, 26075 SW Mountain Rd, (503) 638-9277
9. Hana Farms, 1600 SW Borland Rd, (503) 638-0958
10. River Shore Nursery, 30754 SW Peach Cove Rd, (503) 557-9185
11. Yoshitomi Brothers, 31919 SW Peach Cove Rd, (503) 656-3179
12. Lavender at Stonegate (wholesale and u-pick lavender), 22615 SW Ulsky Rd, (503) 638-5218 

Here is map that shows where the nurseries are in West Linn.

Photo by Nat, used under creative commons licensing.

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Ron Ares May 31st, 2007

From the rubble of the former Willamette Marketplace, West Linn will soon feature a leading-edge concept of commercial real estate.

In nine months, the construction site at the 10th Street exit off I-205 will be home to a relatively unique commercial real estate concept in Oregon: office condominiums.

Just like residential condos, owners of commercial condos own the property within the walls, but not the dirt below or sky above. Unlike office leases, businesses can take advantage of the same ownership and appreciable asset benefits as residential condo owners.

Venture Corporation’s $20 million redevelopment project near the high-traffic highway exit will feature 73,000+ sq. ft. of retail and Class A office space. Plans include 3 one-story retail buildings, 1 two-story professional office building, and one 3-story building with retail on the ground level and professional offices above. The developers are building a similar project in Hillsboro.

Pricing is not yet available for the West Linn project, but units in the Hillsboro office buildings range from $377,000 (for 1,219 sq. ft.) to $865,000 (for 1,448 sq. ft. office space + 1,884 sq. ft. flex space).

The office condo concept could be ideal for the small business operator looking for a stable occupancy situation–that’s right, no landlord, rising rent, or periodic lease negotiations. A business owner could also enjoy additional advantages such as equity build-up, market appreciation, and tax benefits. If an owner needs to move or close shop, they simply sell the property–no lease termination clauses, etc.

Venture says the condos will range from 1,000 to 7,000 sq. ft, and allow 5 parking spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of interior space. Completion is expected in 8 to 9 months.

Here’s a link to the Venture project in Hillsboro.

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Jody McLeod May 17th, 2007

Shopping, mingling, eating, listening, laughing, and much more were happening at last evening’s opening of the West Linn Farmer’s & Artists Market.  Several crafters and food vendors lined Willamette Falls Drive showing off their wares and “talking the talk.” A few of the vendors included Astudio, Northwest Naturals, Copper Creations, Margie’s Buds and Blooms, Sweet Leaf Farm, and OMI Toys and Crafts.  The weather cooperated nicely and the crowds were entertained by the music of John Nilson and Swimfish. 

The market will be held every Wednesday evening from 4:30-8:30 p.m. through September 26th, 2007. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the market here is an application and the rules you must follow.  There are also volunteer opportunties to help out at the market.

Photos of the Fun

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Jody McLeod April 20th, 2007

The information below may not be a factor in whether or not you purchase a home in West Linn, but you might find some of these tidbits regarding our fair city interesting:

1. The city was established in 1845 and incorporated in 1913.
2. West Linn’s population in 2006 was 24,180. Click here to see a population list going back to 1960.
3. There are 9,063 households in West Linn; 80% owner-occupied, 20% renter occupied.
4. 15,505 registered voters live in West Linn.
5. The Cities’ 2006-07 operating budget is $33,242,994. If you like looking over the details, click here.
6. There are currently 2136 active business licenses in West Linn. Here is a current list of licensees and a link to the West Linn Chamber of Commerce.
7. We have 8 neighborhood parks, 8 community parks, and 6 nature parks. Check out the list of links to West Linn parks and location map.
8. The Welcome Wagon, West Linn Community Choir, and Marylhurst Toastmaster’s Club are just a few of the local organizations to join.
9. West Linn has one of the “gnarliest” skate-boarding parks in the area.
10. And last, but not least, here is a nice video tour of the city created by the City of West Linn.

Photo by Gerla Brackee; used under creative commons license.

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Jody McLeod April 17th, 2007

Love the thought of living in a neighborhood where you can walk to have a cup of coffee, go to the post office, the library, or even the grocery store? A neighborhood where you have a place to actually meet and get to know your neighbors? The Central Village located in West Linn’s Bolton neighborhood has all that and more. What began as an out-dated shopping center located on Willamette Drive (between Garden and Burns Streets) has been revamped and expanded to an eye-pleasing place to be.

The biggest change is the addition of the new grocery store, Market of Choice. Not only does it have interesting products you might not find elsewhere, it also has a top-of-the-line deli and a community meeting room local residents can use for free. Here is a recent article from the West Linn Tidings about the new market.

In addition to the market, there are several new stores joining previous residents Starbucks, Fit for Life Exercise Center, Advanced Dental Arts, and Hair Unlimited. Businesses such as Cold Stone Creamery, Bone-Jour (Gourmet Doggie Bakery/Boutique), Sofa Table Chair, Wishing Well Floral and Gifts, Booster, Edible Arrangements, Tan Rio, Sierk Orthodontics, Taco Del Mar and Quiznos Subs have already jumped on board, and it seems there are more to come. Several of the empty spaces already have signs saying LEASED in the windows. It will be exciting to see who moves in next.

West Linn is just one of the many cities that are adapting this “neighborhood gathering-place concept”; not only a place to live, but to feel connected to your community. Bolton was already a great neighborhood with its turn-of-the century homes, proximity to schools and neighborhood parks, and with the addition of Central Village, I think it will be an even more desirable place to call home.

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