New Zendo Update

On April 14, not only was our proposal to development of the Mason “Bing” Farm barn into Ring of Moss’ permanent standalone zendo, we also received final sign off on our building permit for the house just hours before the barn hearing.

Anyone interested in the public process can watch the hearing HERE.

Our proposal was very well-received by Milwaukie’s Planning Commission, commended for our detail and thoughtful preservation of the barn, as the last remaining barn of four representing the city’s agricultural heyday. Commissioners said, “Thank you for this thoughtful plan to revive this historic resource of the community,” and also expressed appreciation that we are “making the building as much of Milwaukie’s future as its past.” They approved our plan unanimously with a 5-0 vote. There were no conditions to the approval. The proposed floor plans are below. Additional details, including the full proposal are available on the City of Milwaukie’s website HERE.

There is a 15-day waiting period for appeals. We anticipate none, as only participants in the hearing are eligible to appeal and we were the only members of the public.

This approval means that the next significant hurdle to clear for bringing this plan to life is financial. First we will identify ways that we can reduce contractor costs with volunteers, skilled and unskilled. From there we will put together a construction plan that will include building and training periods to engage cohorts of volunteers willing to put sweat equity into the barn zendo. We will also need to secure the cash necessary to complete the project. We have secured some 25% of the current budget projected to be $1.2M, including design and contingency costs. With an approved design we will now set to work firming-up that budget, and developing a schedule.

It is extremely exciting to be at this stage of this project. Please contact us know if you have questions.

• Andrew Mason