Scappoose EDC debates downtown parking reductions, public parking hub and acquisition of ODOT rail strip

At the February meeting of the Scappoose Economic Development Committee, members and staff spent much of the discussion on downtown parking policy, ways to reuse existing lots and a potential City acquisition of a narrow strip of ODOT rail property that staff says could be converted to public parking.

Committee planner Laurie said the city’s current code limits where parking reductions are allowed. “Parking kills some projects,” she said, citing a gravel corner lot where a developer’s plan for mixed-use buildings could not meet required parking. Laurie said, “Our code says for a mixed use building, you cannot have a reduction in parking, under the downtown overlay code,” and that only a few blocks on the west side of Highway 30 qualify for reductions.

Why it matters: Committee members framed the debate as part of shaping a walkable downtown. Supporters said more flexible standards and a consolidated public parking hub could unlock development where lots are currently dominated by surface stalls. Opponents raised concerns that reducing requirements without mitigating actions would create parking shortages for existing businesses and harm customer access.

Discussion and details

Laurie recommended the downtown strategic plan include a focused look at parking: whether existing private lots could be consolidated, whether the city should create a public “destination” lot, and where reductions would make…