Coos Bay planning commission backs Empire Area Blueprint, asks council to study stoplight and boat-ramp expansion

The Coos Bay Planning Commission voted Oct. 8 to recommend the City Council adopt the Empire Area Blueprint (land use application 187-24-000174-PLNG) and supporting text amendments to the Transportation System Plan and municipal code, while asking the council to further consider installation of a stoplight at the Newmark intersection, potential expansion of the Empire boat ramp, and development of nautical-themed wayfinding.

Chelsea, a city planner, told commissioners the blueprint is a long-range, community-informed plan intended as a guiding document and does not change zoning or trigger immediate construction. "None of this has happened," she said, adding the plan can help position the city for future funding opportunities. The staff recommendation also includes proposed code updates to align mobility targets and level-of-service language (example: section…