PGE wins Round 1

Forest Park Neighborhood Association to appeal decision

A greatly expanded power line system would replace the current lines, clearing a 125-foot wide swath through the park.

A David and Goliath story is unfolding in Forest Park.

A city hearings officer ruled last week in favor of Portland General Electric’s application to expand power transmission lines in the park, a decision many citizens opposing the plan found shocking.

“PGE could have written the decision,” said one park preservation activist.

The Forest Park Neighborhood Association voted on March 9 to appeal the decision to the Portland City Council. Without the aid of professional experts in the field, the association’s land-use chair, Carol Chesarek, submitted the most comprehensive testimony opposing testimony received by the hearings officer. She argued that the plan violates the city-adopted Forest Park Natural Resources Management Plan.