Nick Fish admits lack of transparency in South Waterfront Greenway controversy


Portland Commissioner Nick Fish apologized to supporters for not disclosing land transfer details in 2010.

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The Oregonian/OregonLive on Thursday published its investigation into the budget-busting park project, which opened last year at a cost of $15.1 million.

The project moved forward in 2010 after Fish signed off on a deal deliberately kept out of the public spotlight. Fish and a city attorney placed the deal on the City Council’s consent agenda — allowing it to be immediately approved with no discussion.

…[On] Friday, Fish sent an email to supporters. In it, he conceded that “it was my mistake” to bring the deal to the City Council without a public hearing. By placing it on the consent agenda, he added, “it did not get the sunshine it deserved.”

(READ MORE: Oregon Live)

Mayor Charlie Hales told OPB that the pathway would eventually connect North Portland to South Portland. The second phase of construction could take up to a decade, according to Oregon Live.