Clatsop County will seek community input on name for new road linking Highway 30 and Westport Ferry Road

Dean Karen, Clatsop County engineer, presented options and a recent poll for naming a new road that will connect Highway 30 and Westport Ferry Road and asked the board for direction on next steps.

Karen told the board that a poll had 22 participants and that “WeMall” (as listed in the poll) was the top result; other popular choices included Coats Crossing and John West Road. She outlined the county’s naming process: staff assembles three candidate names, the planning department checks for duplications, and the proposal is routed to sheriff’s dispatch, emergency management and other agencies before the board makes a final recommendation.

Commissioners encouraged broader community input. Commissioner Banks urged reaching Westport residents and local historical resources, noting the founder John West as a frequent historical reference and suggesting adding “Walter Coats” as another historical variation. Commissioner Webb suggested including a Chinook name to recognize native history; Commissioner Thompson said residents would likely refer to the route informally as the Westport Ferry Road but supported giving the community a vote on an official name.

Board direction was procedural: staff should expand outreach—by community meetings or mailers—and return with a narrowed list and community feedback. The board did not take a final vote at the work session. Karen said staff will route candidates through planning and emergency services as required and report back to the commissioners with community input and recommended names.