American Dream

PORTLAND, OR - To its supporters, including Mayor Potter OHSU is a valuable ally that will help produce thousands of good-paying jobs in the new neighborhood rising along the west bank of the Willamette River. To its critics, including Commissioner Leonard OHSU isn’t a reliable partner and has placed itself above the public good. The clash of opinions helped inflame the dispute over the skyrocketing costs of the aerial tram that will link OHSU’s existing facilities on Marquam Hill to the district. No one is happy that tram costs have nearly quadrupled, to approximately $57 million. But OHSU insisted on the tram before it would commit to the overall development. Wednesday they voted to approve a new financing plan that includes additional incentives to OHSU and South Waterfront property owners to accelerate the construction schedule. Leonard accused OHSU of lying to the council about the costs of the tram and using its role in the development to financially benefit its employees saying “They have not been forthright with us. They are not a trustworthy partner.” The attacks on OHSU have been even sharper in the neighborhoods affected by the tram, “The reason they wanted the tram was so that OHSU doctors could get to better restaurants for lunch,” said David Redlick, a consultant who is the former chairman of the Homestead Neighborhood Association.