Governor Calls for Timely and Deliberate Response to Measure 37 Unveils legislation that creates an “express line” so small landowners move to front of line
(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski unveiled legislation (Senate Bill 505) introduced at his request by the co-chairs of the Joint Land Use Fairness Committee, which establishes a first step toward addressing the flood of Measure 37 claims that have been filed in the final weeks of 2006.
“Oregon is facing a crisis as the 180-day clock runs down – either allow these developments to proceed, with irreversible impacts on local communities, or pay compensation for speculative claims that we cannot afford to pay,” the Governor said.
“Measure 37 has unleashed an unexpected rush to development, and the legislature should act sooner rather than later to uphold what the voters intended when they passed this measure.”
The Governor’s proposal aims to uphold what the voters intended through the passage of Measure 37 in 2004 by establishing a process, or an “express line”, for individuals seeking to build a home, allowing them to receive first priority to move forward with their claims.
All other claims will have a time out and maintain their legal standing to follow through with their claims while the legislature addresses the measure’s unexpected consequences.
“Measure 37 promised fair treatment for landowners to build a home on property they bought for that purpose, but it has turned into a fast track for developers to build on land that was previously beyond their reach,” the Governor continued.
“We need to establish a time out period that is carefully designed to give priority to individuals seeking to build a home, lets all other claimants keep their place in line, and allows the legislature to review the measure to ensure its workings reflect the will of the voters.”
Governor Calls For Timely And Deliberate Response to Measure 37Salem-News.com