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Nehalem partners with Sammy’s Place to seek state infrastructure grant for Thompson Springs housing
Summary
The Nehalem City Council adopted a partnership with Sammy’s Place to apply for Business Oregon’s Housing Infrastructure Financing Program to fund Thompson Road repairs needed for the Thompson Springs housing development; Mayor Chick disclosed a family connection and Councilor Cram recused. The application seeks roughly $200,000–$250,000.
The Nehalem City Council on Dec. 9 approved a partnership with Sammy’s Place to pursue state infrastructure funding for road improvements needed to support the Thompson Springs housing project.
City Manager Lori Longfellow told the Council the application would request HIFP (Housing Infrastructure Financing Program) funds to pay for right‑of‑way improvements and additional asphalt work on Thompson Road, work that the applicants say is necessary to serve the proposed housing. Sammy’s Place representative Kevin Shluka described the project as “shovel ready” and estimated the HIFP request at about $200,000–$250,000, which he said aligns with typical HIFP awards.
Mark Kuestner, Tillamook County Housing Commission North County representative, gave an earlier overview of county housing programs that could support local projects, including a county Housing Production Solutions Fund ($400,000 seed), CERTA energy‑efficiency grants (up to $20,000 per project, including ADUs), and the state MERL loan program to close financing gaps. Kuestner noted recent and planned projects in the area that the Commission has supported.
Mayor Phil Chick disclosed a potential conflict: his wife serves as executive director of Sammy’s Place. The mayor said he consulted the Oregon Government Ethics Commission before proceeding. Councilor Dave Cram stated he had a personal conflict related to work on the project and recused himself from the vote. Councilor Doug Larzelier moved to adopt the partnership resolution; Council President Hilary Howell seconded. The motion passed 3–0 (Yes: Howell, Larzelier, Quintana). The County has agreed that any road improvements would be owned by Tillamook County, and city staff said anticipated staff and consultant time to support the application is already budgeted.
City officials noted the HIFP program is competitive and operates on a reimbursement basis; the mayor reported he had consulted a Business Oregon contact about typical reimbursement timing and requirements. The partnership resolution directs staff to participate in a unified application including Sammy’s Place and Tillamook County, but it does not itself obligate the city to any nonreimbursable expense.
Next steps: staff will complete the application materials and submit to Business Oregon. Councilor Cram’s recusal was recorded in the meeting minutes.
