According to the map posted on runnerspace, the Glendoveer race is not going to use the two mile wood chip loop, but rather the interior of the course. The loop would be great for a warmup, though. It's a beautiful (IMO) and hilly course and it should be great. I'm not a big fan of NXN, but I'd love to run on that golf course.
I believe the course has had some financial woes (it's a public course), so I think it was financially appealing to rent it out of Nike for the event. It's not in a glamorous part of town, it's true (not that any part of Portland is actually glamorous), but it's not terribly far from downtown, it's actually a couple of blocks north of the light rail stop and it's pretty interesting course.
It is fenced all around, so they will be able to close the gates and charge admission and there is a club house that could possibly be used for viewing. I love Fort Vancouver, but Glendoveer has potential and the hills are much bigger. I think the rain will drain off much better than the swamp that Portland Meadows is located on.
I wonder how the neighboring community will view this as one of the nicest things about the course is that so many people in the neighborhood use the wood chip loop. It's a very diverse neighborhood and I have always enjoyed how many different groups of people use the loop. During the event, they will be shut out of using the path.
I think this is a really good development.
I do feel bad about all the teams that came up to Portland to run at the Meadows last month on the "Nationals" course, but Glendoveer is NOTHING like the horse track.