NURA advisory committee recommends focusing River Street work from 11th to 3rd; council agrees to advance legal steps

City staff told the Newberg City Council on April 7 that the Newberg Urban Renewal Agency (NURA) Community Advisory Committee recommended prioritizing reconstruction of the northern portion of River Street — from 11th Street north to 3rd Street — rather than starting in the southern waterfront area.

Will (staff member) presented the CAC’s recommendation and said the group favored the northern sections partly because the southern work could involve rail crossings and a future mill‑site operator might require a rail spur, which could make southern investments unnecessary. The CAC also concluded that “no further public engagement” beyond the many prior meetings was necessary before moving forward with the recommended northern segment.

Why it matters: staff and several councilors said focusing on the northern section addresses the worst pavement failures first and stretches limited dollars further; it also avoids committing city funds toward a railway crossing if the railroad or future site operator will ultimately require different infrastructure.

During discussion, Public Works staff member Russ explained that portions of River Street still rest on an older concrete base that has been repeatedly cut for utilities; the resulting subgrade damage makes stretches between 11th and 3rd the most in need of reconstruction. Will told council staff will seek assistance from the firm Miller Nash to draft an intergovernmental agreement that would codify partner responsibilities and funding for the initial River Street work.

Councilors signaled support for the CAC recommendation. Councilor Mike said the 11th‑to‑3rd stretch contains “the majority of the damaged road” and would make the city’s dollars go further; Council consensus allowed staff to begin legal work to formalize funding and partnership agreements.

Next steps described by staff: prepare an intergovernmental agreement with outside counsel (Miller Nash), bring the recommendation formally before NURA and then to council for approval, and coordinate with the railroad if a crossing or spur is implicated. Staff noted the railroad currently owns some track and right‑of‑way and that railroads typically do not pay for street crossings.

No formal council vote was recorded on a resolution for the River Street direction at this meeting; staff said they received informal council concurrence to proceed to the drafting phase and legal outreach would be initiated.