Economic development committee outlines historic-district work, downtown tree plan and holiday beautification

Jenny Morrison, speaking remotely for the Economic Development Committee, told the council the committee met Nov. 4 and discussed design-code recommendations and the planning commission’s response. The committee plans to meet with the historic-preservation survey and inventory coordinator at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to help inventory downtown assets and to explore an overlay zone for a historic business district.

Morrison said the committee also discussed a downtown tree-installation strategy that should be coordinated with the city’s transportation plan and safe-routes-to-school work. She noted potential grant opportunities for technical assistance to finalize design-code reviews. Finally, Morrison described small, volunteer-driven beautification projects coordinated with the Yamhill Downtown Association for the approaching holiday season, including storefront displays and involvement from local businesses.

Mayor Ed Corrigan praised the report and the committee’s progress, and councilors discussed coordination with the transportation plan and volunteer opportunities for the Dec. 5 Christmas tree-lighting event.