An 8.1-hectare property along Canyon Road in Clatskanie has been the focus of neighbors’ concerns in recent weeks.
This slope along Canyon Road in Clatskanie is part of the proposed housing development to be built on both sides of the road.
In December, the Clatskanie Planning Commission sent the rezoning proposal to Clatskanie City Council and recommended that the proposal be rejected, citing safety concerns.
The first reading of an ordinance to rezoning the property from R-10 (10,000 sq ft lots) to R-5 (5,000 sq ft lots) and a portion to MFR (Multiple Family Residence) was held at the January 5 City Council meeting.
“The concerns raised were for road capacity, Canyon Road and child safety as it is near the high school, and Conyers Creek Road, which leads to Canyon Road and its safety,” said Greg Hinkelman, manager of the City of Clatskanie, opposite The Chief. “Concerns have also been raised about the potential development density and impact on the area.”
Council members also raised concerns that the developer, Midnight Development LLC of Vancouver, Washington, had not provided blueprints of the proposed homes, showing how many homes would be built, and no blueprint of the overall development.
According to Hinkelman’s discussion at the Jan. 5 council meeting, the developer wanted to get approval for the rezoning before architecture and engineering costs are increased. He also noted that the developer would need to complete a land use study and submit a geotech report to mitigate any issues related to the adjacent wetlands.
Councilor Jim Helmen, also Clatskanie School District Administrator, said the housing development would have a significant impact on traffic on the high school’s adjacent property.
A resident of the area expressed concern about the traffic that skirts what he called dangerous corners in the area. Another neighbor pointed to increased traffic and vehicles parked in the lane during high school sporting events.
During the Clatskanie City Council meeting on February 2, the developer presented a preliminary site plan to better illustrate the development.
Both opponents and supporters commented on the project.
“Traffic concerns and the safety of children going to and from high school continue to be concerns of those opposed to the plan,” Hinkelman said. “They also raised concerns about dangerous corners on the Conyers Creek Road.”
Councilor Jean Sampson raised concerns about the safety of children involved with traffic in the area.
Proponents argued that Clatskanie needed more affordable housing. One couple spoke of the current high home prices and the need for quality homes at lower prices.
After the public hearing, the city council unanimously approved the new zoning ordinance.
“That’s just the first step,” Hinkelman said. “The geotech report needs to be prepared and a traffic impact study done, and as the development takes shape, the fire department district and public utility district need to review the composition of the design to see if there are any issues.”
The Oregon Land Conservation and Development Department is also required to review the new zoning ordinance.
“That generally takes about 30 days,” Hinkelman said. “I am confident that the state will adopt the regulation.”
Those who still oppose the housing development have an opportunity to appeal to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.
It is unclear when construction would take place if all necessary steps are taken by the developer.
Hinkelman said the last time such a housing development was built was in 2006. About 25 homes were built in Clatskanie Woods in northeast Clatskanie.
“Housing affordability is a big problem in Oregon and in this area, and hopefully this new development will help alleviate that a bit,” he said.
Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
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