move2westlinn

Ron Ares February 28th, 2008

I think 60+ degrees and the picture below pretty well answers that question. Nice way to end February.

View: Looking across Parker Road and Tanner Creek Park.

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Jody McLeod February 4th, 2008

Here is West Linn’s real estate activity for January 28 - February 4. Only 3 pendings and 1 sold property to report.

NEWLY LISTED

PENDING SALES

SOLD

Criteria: Homes in the 97068 zip code, listed, pending or sold between January 28 - February 4, 2008 as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer.

Technorati Tags: West Linn, Oregon, Market Activity, Listed, Pending, Sold, Real Estate, days on market, price, square feet, homes, 97068

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Jody McLeod January 18th, 2008

Last May Ron wrote a post about the revitalization (a.k.a. complete re-construction) of West Linn’s under-utilized Willamette Marketplace.

Well, things are ticking right along and the buildings are set to be completed this spring. In a recent West Linn Tidings article, California-based Venture Corporation told the newspaper that it is shooting for a March completion date on the new Marketplace. The company told the Tidings that are a couple of major restaurants, medical offices, retail businesses, office condominiums and smaller take out food establishments that have already signed lease agreements and they are continuing to fill the spaces.

It is exciting stuff for West Linn and we will be sure to keep you updated on the progress.

Technorati Tags: West Linn, Willamette Marketplace, construction, Tidings, development, 97068

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Jody McLeod January 11th, 2008

West Linn City Council members have taken a huge step toward making our City more eco-friendly. Last November they created a Sustainability Advisory Board that immediately moved forward in adopting a green building standard for West Linn. The standard will require all new or remodeled city buildings to meet the silver benchmark in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.

In addition to helping the environment, adopting this green standard should produce lower operating and maintenance costs, greater operating efficiency, better durability and perhaps even increased employee productivity. The resolution encourages other City buildings (such as schools) to follow suit and promotes green building practices for all residential and commercial buildings in West Linn. More information on this story can be found in the January West Linn Update.

To learn more about the LEED certification here is a 3 minute video by CNN Money.

If you would like to learn how to make your upcoming remodeling or construction project a little greener there is a new Portland Metro area Green Building Hotline. You may call 503.823.5431, Monday through Friday, or check it out online at the Office of Sustainable Development’s website.

Photo by Vancanjay, used under creative commons license.

Technorati Tags: Green building, LEED, West Linn City Council, eco-friendly, sustainability, Oregon, 97068

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Ron Ares June 13th, 2007

We are delighted to announce the availability of a new search tool for homes within West Linn (and other Portland-area neighborhoods).

It’s simple. Fill out your name, email address, price range, phone number (not required) and click on the map of West Linn neighborhoods you wish to search.

After clicking on the SUBMIT button, you will receive an email, linking you to an interactive map of listings within your price range in your chosen areas. By moving your cursor over the icons, you can view a thumbnail image of the property, its price, and bedroom/bathroom combinations.

A click on the subject property brings up more details about the home, including the address, additional pictures, and comments about the property. You can ask for a viewing of the property or save it for future reference. While you’re at it, you can click on aerial photographs of the area to see where properties are in relation to rivers, parks and other landmarks.

Each day, you’ll get a new email highlighting NEW or CHANGED listings, plus showing all other active properties.

The home search is not limited to West Linn. You can zoom out on the map to view other areas like Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Wilsonville–the entire Portland metropolitan area, frankly.

Questions and/or custom home searches can be accommodated with a quick email or a call to Ron at (503) 460-7992. Also, custom searches are also available upon request–number of bedrooms, specific school district, no condos, etc.).

Sign up now for West Linn property listings and see for yourself.

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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 May 1st, 2007

Considering cutting down a tree?  Do you and your neighbors want to hold a block party? Hold up there, partner! Before you do that, you might want to check with the proper authorities first. There are many items that require approval before they are allowed in West Linn.  Here is a list of items requiring a permit or license:

• Athletic Field Permit: A field permit is required for all agencies and non-profits located outside the West Linn city limits. West Linn youth sports associations will not be assessed fees. Here is an application form for a field permit.
• Auctions : The City of West Linn requires a business license to be purchased prior to conducting an auction within West Linn city limits.  Contact the Finance Department at City Hall or phone 503-656-4261 for further information
• Alarms: All alarm owners must obtain an annual $10 permit (citizens 65 years and older may obtain a permit at no charge). Permits can be obtained at the West Linn Police Department or online.  For more information you can call 503-655-6214. 
• Block Parties: A City permit is required for all block parties or community events that may affect the normal flow of traffic through either blocking of a city street or increasing traffic near the event site. Telephone 503-723-2544 or via e-mail at sshroyer@ci.west-linn.or.us.
• Burning: Open burning is not allowed within the West Linn city limits. 
• Business: A person engaging in business within West Linn city limits must obtain a business license, which is renewed annually.  This application requires the payment of a one-time $100 fee.  Contact the Finance Department at 503-656-4261 or click here for an application form.  Home Business Occupation Permits: A Home Occupation Permit is required to conduct business out of a private residence.  Applications for permits and further information may be obtained by contacting the Planning Department at 503-656-4211.
• Conditional Use Permits: Requests for a land use that is not permitted outright within a particular zone must be made to the Planning and Building Department at 503-656-4211.
• Construction/Building: A building permit is required for new construction and/or remodeling within the city limits. Permits are issued and inspections are conducted by the West Linn Building Department for foundation, plumbing, and other structural work.  Phone 503-656-4211 for further information. Construction in the public right-of-way requires a permit from the Engineering Department. Call 503-722-5500 for further information.
  Inspections: to schedule an inspection, call the Building inspection line at 503-722-5509.
• Demolition Permits: Permits may be obtained from the Planning and Building Department. Phone 503-656-4211 for further information.
• Electrical Permits: The electrical permits are issued and inspections are conducted by Clackamas County. Call 503-655-8521.
• Event Permit: For special events and areas that require barricades or clean-up such as a parade or fair. Here is an event permit application form.
• Dog Licensing: If you live in West Linn and own a dog, you have until March 1st of each year to license your pet.  After that, a penalty fee will be added to the basic dog license fee of $25 for a fertile dog.  The licenses are available through the Police Department located at 22825 Willamette Dr., or phone 503-655-6214. Click here for an online form.
• Fireworks:  Fireworks are permitted within the city limits provided they conform to state laws regulating fireworks.  Contact Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue at 503-612-7000
• Liquor licenses: Liquor licenses may be issued by the State of Oregon following recommendation for approval by the City of West Linn.  Contact the Oregon Liquor Control Commission at 1-800-452-6522. 
• Manufactured Dwelling Permit: application form 
• Marriage: Marriage licenses are obtained through Clackamas County in Oregon City.  Phone 503-655-8659.
• Natural Gas: Service is provided by Northwest Natural.  Location of gas service lines necessary for construction purposes can be obtained by calling Utility One at 503-246-6699. Customer Service/Permits call 503-226-4211.
• Parking:  High School - Parking is restricted to permit holders in the residential area surrounding the high school during school hours. If you are a resident of the area, contract the West Linn Police Department at 503-655-6241 to obtain a permit. You may download the application here.  Disabled Parking Permits - Issued by the State of Oregon, Department of Motor Vehicles.  Phone 503-299-9999.
• Signs: Garage Sale/Yard Sale Signs - West Linn Municipal Code 5.490 prohibits the placing of signs or advertisements in the street, in public right-of-way or on public property.  This includes utility/light poles, street signs, medians, green ways and parks. A permit is required for temporary and permanent signs on private property.  For more information call 503-655-6214 ext. 405. Here are applications for a temporary signs and permanent signs.
• Sewer Service Connection: An application for a permit for connecting a service line to a structure may be obtained from the Building Department (503-656-4211).
• Trees: City property - A written permit is required to remove, cut or destroy any street tree.  Contact the Parks Department (503-557-4700). It is the duty of the owners of  land abutting street trees to keep them properly trimmed and maintained. Heritage trees - Heritage trees are designated by the City Council following review of a nomination form submitted by a citizen and accepted by the property owner.  Criteria for heritage tree designation are adopted by council resolution.  Contact the Parks Department (503-557-4700) for further information.  Private property - West Linn has adopted a tree protection ordinance. Call the City Arborist at 503-557-4700 for information before felling trees on private property.  In addition, before cutting a tree down, you must get approval from nearby neighbors. Click here for a copy of the tree removal permit. 

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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 12th, 2007

What tops a home-buyer’s priority list when purchasing a new home? Price? Crime statistics? Square footage? For many families, schools can be a deciding factor.

It was for my family. In addition to liking the area, we moved to West Linn because of the school district’s reputation. And we haven’t been disappointed; my kids have had great instructors who genuinely care about their students and an administration that has been responsive to our questions or concerns.

West Linn schools are part of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. Here are maps of the district boundaries. (In case you are wondering, Wilsonville is a city just south of West Linn.)

West Linn Schools include the following:

Primary Schools
Willamette Primary
Bolton Primary
Sunset Primary
Cedaroak Primary
Stafford Primary

Middle Schools
Athey Creek Middle School
Rosemont Ridge Middle School

High School
West Linn High School

Other Schools in District
Three Rivers Charter School
Arts and Technology High School (Although located in Wilsonville, West Linn students may transfer here if they have openings).

Private Schools
Sun Garden Montessori
Columbia Academy
Montessori School of West Linn (no web site, phone 503-636-2195)
West Linn Montessori School (no web site, phone 503-656-8911)

District Report Card
Click here for West Linn-Wilsonville school district report cards going back several years.

Some Fun Facts about the District:

• The total student membership for the West Linn-Wilsonville School District was 8,104 students at the start of the 2005-06 school year.
• The state funding allocation was $5,319.00 per student for the 2003-04 school year.
• The district has 412 teachers. (For reporting purposes, two half time teachers are counted as one full time teacher.)
• Wilsonville High led the state in percentage of CIM Completers with 66% and West Linn High was second with 56%.
• There were 9 valedictorians and 5 National Merit Scholars last year. West Linn High had 7 Commended Scholars.

Posted by: Jody

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Jody McLeod April 9th, 2007

There has been some residential and political tête-à-tête around town regarding the future of West Linn. There are those folks who think that there are already too many large, stately homes and don’t want to see more built, there are some who want to see more parks, while others are perfectly happy with the City’s future plans.

In 1994 West Linn formed a task force and published a report, Imagine West Linn, outlining a plan of growth for the city. Thirteen years later, the City of West Linn is revisiting the report to reflect the communities’ changing goals in a new document to be titled Re-Imagine West Linn.

As a 5-year West Linn resident, I have my own personal “wish list” for the city. (NOTE: I’m not sure if these ideas are financially feasible, or even if they are city-driven issues, they are just a list of things that have crossed my mind from time to time that I thought I would like to see in West Linn).

1. A community center – (bonus points if it had a pool).
2. A bed and breakfast for out-of-town visitors (no corporate entities).
3. More “mom and pop” restaurants with great food and down-home service
4. A natural food store to supplement the Artists and Farmers Market held Wednesday afternoons.
5. Additional sidewalks and bike paths on a few roads, such as Willamette Falls Drive/Borland Rd.
6. A dog park (Yes, yes, I know there is one close-by in Lake Oswego, but its my wish list and I think it would be great to have one here).

And, now, the table is turned to you. City officials are asking for input from citizens, committees and neighborhood associations. What would you like to see in West Linn’s future? Speak up, shout out, and let your thoughts be known! Email your ideas and comments to John Atkins, West Linn’s City Planner.

——- UPDATE ———- 
West linn DOES have a dog park! Shame on me for not knowing this.  Thanks to one of our readers, Ben, for pointing this out. It is located in Mary S. Young park off of Willamette Drive (Highway 43). I went and checked it out.  Although there is no fence, it’s a nice big area and there were several people there with their dogs having a good time. (However, when I go I will have to keep one of my dogs on a leash; it’s amazing how she goes “deaf” when she spots a critter and I suddenly become nothing more than a distant memory).

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