WOOO History

In 1975, Dan Gulbrandson bought some property along NW Marina Way, with plans to create a marina with boat repair service and houseboat storage. By 1985, the new marina was nearly complete, except for the travel lift system. But, when Dan went to the County for the permit to install the lift system and get approvals for houseboat building, he got devastating news: at some point between 1975 and 1985, Multnomah County changed the zoning; from one which allowed for moorages, to one which did not.

After struggling unsuccessfully with this issue for nearly ten years, Dan sought legal help. In 1994, Dan’s attorney concluded that the only way to resolve the situation was to somehow persuade the State of Oregon to adopt legislation that would allow for siting of marinas in every comprehensive plan. The attorneys estimated this could cost as much as $20,000, with no guarantee of success. And, to even begin the process, they would need another $5,000 retainer from Dan. Then, the lawyer wrote:

“One possible way to reduce your costs for such a process would be to persuade some of your neighbors to join in the application.”

So, he did. Dan talked to his neighbors, other marina owners who were also impacted by this zoning change. The first members of the group were Dan Gulbrandson (A-1 Moorage), Cherie Sprando (Fred’s Marina) and Janet Hirsch (Larson’s Moorage).

They joined forces, made their case -- and won. The 1995 Oregon Legislative Assembly passed House Bill 3077, which, in Summary:

“Requires cities and counties to amend comprehensive plans to allow siting of marinas. Establishes conditions for siting of marinas.”

Others came on board quickly, including Jan and Tracy Hamer (River’s Bend Marina), Bill Casselman (Casselman’s Cove and Wharf), Curt and Ginger Curtis (Happy Rock Moorage), Jean Adams (Marina Way Moorage), Bridgeview Investors Corp and Grant Johnson (Sauvie Island Moorage). Membership grew steadily. From 10 members in 1994, to 19 members in 1995 and 37 in 1996. In 1997 there were 51 members, and that year the group was granted IRS nonprofit status as “Waterfront Organizations ofOregon.”

Since then, WOOO has steadily grown and continues to be actively involved in issues related to ownership and use of the waterways, and in helping to bring about important legislation and other decisions* that benefit everyone whose business, or home, or recreational area is part of our beautiful Oregon waterfront.

April 4, 2022 Rose Kowalski, Historian