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Resident raises concerns about Devereaux Center closure, bike infrastructure and a new housing project; city outlines FEMA, grant work
Summary
A Coos Bay resident urged clearer public information about the Devereaux Center’s changes and pushed for more general-purpose bike racks and better bike connections along Ocean Boulevard. City staff said they are working with FEMA and the Devereaux Center board to identify funding and relocation land for services serving unhoused residents.
Christine Moffitt, a resident of Empire, used the public-comment period to press the council for clearer information on services for people experiencing homelessness and to raise separate concerns about bike parking and a large housing development.
Moffitt said she has been “concerned about the closure of the Devereaux Center” since the facility’s business license was in jeopardy and that she has financially supported local service providers including the Salvation Army and Harmony Methodist Church. She told the council she attended a Community Coalition of Empire meeting where Dr. Tim Lynch — identified in the meeting as a public-health director and as the Devereaux Center board president — gave updates on support for unhoused residents, including available showering and warming-center services and meal support.
Moffitt said the Devereaux Center’s public-facing information is out of date and apologized for not knowing about the city’s engagement with the center prior to attending the coalition meeting. She said the center’s web page “has no information” and asked for better public notice.
City staff and the mayor responded that staff have been meeting with FEMA representatives and Devereaux Center leadership to plan for an off–flood-plain relocation of the encampment or services the center previously provided. Nicole (City Manager) and a staff member identified as Chelsea said FEMA has communicated that the encampment must be moved out of the flood plain but that FEMA has recognized the need for a place and funding before forcing relocation. Staff said they are pursuing grant opportunities and identifying potential parcels of land; relocation would be contingent on having both a grant and a receiving site.
During the same public comment period, Moffitt praised recently installed sculptural bike racks but suggested they be labeled or supplemented with standard racks so riders know they can lock bikes to them. She provided staff with guidance from the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals on bike-parking best practices.
Moffitt also expressed concern about a proposed large housing development of “around 400 houses” and said she hoped the project would include trail and bike connections and attention to the Ocean Boulevard intersection. The mayor and councilors said a park was desired by the project manager but that no binding obligation was identified in the packet materials; the council noted any extended bicycle connection to Charleston would likely require Oregon Department of Transportation involvement.
Ending City staff said they will continue grant-seeking and site-identification work with FEMA and the Devereaux Center board; they encouraged residents to use upcoming public-outreach opportunities and to check city updates for next steps.
