Owner offers 9.79‑acre parcel near Depoe Bay park; council cautious about purchase

Depoe Bay — David Gregersen, a property owner and attorney who said he previously served as a county superior court judge, addressed the City Council Sept. 24 to describe an opportunity to sell a 9.79‑acre parcel adjacent to the municipal park and harbor.

Gregersen said the full parcel includes multiple lots and that, based on his market research, he used an initial figure of $2,200,000 to put the discussion on the table. He said he is open to creative options, including selling only harbor‑adjacent lots or partnering with developers.

Councilors and residents raised immediate concerns: Councilor King noted that portions of the property come very close to private residences and questioned whether portions lie in a floodplain; other councilors said the city lacks utilities (water, sewer, power) and the tax‑base capacity to take on a large acquisition. One councilor suggested the city would only consider a small sliver that benefits harbor needs, not purchase of the entire parcel.

Council members repeatedly said the city lacks $2.2 million and that subdividing the parcel or securing a partner would be necessary for any purchase to be feasible. Gregersen said he would explore outreach to developers and keep the city apprised of options that might make a smaller, harbor‑use portion feasible.

No motion was made to purchase; council agreed to keep contact open while expressing skepticism about acquiring the full parcel.

Next steps: staff will remain in contact with Gregersen and report back if a viable, smaller parcel or partnership emerges.