The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Nov. 10 voted to refer an ordinance recommending that City Council sell the Sellwood Community House at 1436 Southeast Spokane Street to the Friends of Sellwood Community House for $1, with deed restrictions intended to keep the property in public-serving use.

Chair Clark said the disposition recognizes years of work by the nonprofit partner and would reduce the city's future capital maintenance costs. Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal described the transfer as part of a coordinated approach to community partnerships and stewardship of public assets. ‘‘This is a cherished historic facility that has served Portland families for more than a century,’’ Dhanapal said.

Dylan Paul of Real Estate Services told the committee the transaction is being presented as an exception to the city's real property disposition policy (ADM 13.02) because of existing lease and contract language and that the purchase-and-sale agreement will include restrictions to ensure continued use as a community center. Paul said a partner had invested ‘‘over $1,500,000’’ in the property and noted the city is retooling administrative policy so similar future dispositions may not require exceptions.

Ashley Murray, executive director of the Friends of Sellwood Community House, described the building's history and recent capital work: it opened in 1910, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the organization has completed upgrades including a new roof, five solar arrays, a new HVAC system, interior electrical and plumbing work and ADA improvements. Murray said the nonprofit has grown from a roughly $500,000 budget and six staff to about a $2.5 million operating budget and roughly 46 FTE; she also said the group has raised ‘‘a little over $2,000,000’’ for renovations.

Councilors asked detailed questions about safeguards and alternatives. Councilor Koyama Lane asked whether the council could waive regulatory oversight instead of transferring ownership to speed improvements; Dylan Paul and other staff said city ownership can limit eligibility for some grants and private donations and that internal policies and cross-bureau regulations mean some barriers can be removed while others cannot. Councilor Smith pressed for protections such as a right of first refusal or repurchase; Ashley Murray and staff confirmed the current draft purchase agreement includes reversionary language that would allow the property to return to city ownership for $1 if it ceased to operate for community benefit. Dylan Paul said final deed-restriction language is still being finalized but that reversion clauses would ‘‘step into effect’’ if the property stopped being used for public benefit.

With no public testimony signed up, Councilor Greene moved and Councilor Smith seconded a motion to send Ordinance Document Number 2025-430 to the full council with a recommendation to pass; the clerk recorded four ‘‘Aye’’ votes (Green, Smith, Mario, Clark) and the referral was approved. The committee record notes no public commenters on this item.

What remains open: staff said final deed-restriction language and purchase-and-sale terms will be completed before the council consideration; the disposition was forwarded to full council for consideration and final action.

Sources and evidence: committee discussion and staff presentations, Nov. 10 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (topic introduction: SEG 069; referral motion and vote: SEG 707–734).