Residents press council on Salmonberry Trail demonstration section and easement impacts

Residents near the proposed demonstration segment of the Salmonberry Trail told the council they are concerned the project could limit driveway access, reduce parking and complicate emergency-vehicle passage for properties on Marine Drive.

During the city manager’s report, staff clarified that Marine Drive is not formally dedicated as a city street and is primarily within the port’s right-of-way and on private property. The manager said drafts of a trail-use agreement and a memorandum of understanding involving the Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency and the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad are expected to be presented to the city in the coming weeks.

Neighbors described practical worries: narrow access where driveways meet the proposed trail, limited off-street parking near the Thiemann residence, and the risk that a popular demonstration segment could create congestion on summer holidays. Councilors and staff noted some property owners previously held easements from the port that were later not renewed and said the port’s letters likely intend to formalize continued access arrangements.

Council direction: Staff offered to arrange a meeting with the port, Salmonberry Trail representatives and affected property owners before any permanent decisions are made. Councilors said they want municipal representatives to attend port meetings and to see draft agreements before the trail’s future upgrades proceed.

Why it matters: The Trail is a multi-jurisdictional project that could affect private access, parking and long-term maintenance responsibilities; because the port controls much of the right-of-way, private-property impacts may hinge on port easement agreements rather than city code alone.

Next steps: The city manager will request that the Port of Tillamook Bay include the city on future letters to affected property owners and will seek a meeting with trail organizers and neighbors.