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Investors, city discuss H Street Park grant, lease and FEMA constraints
Summary
Rocinante representatives briefed the Nehalem City Council on a proposal to convert a corner lot into H Street Park using a $75,000 county grant that requires completion within three years; the council agreed to revisit the project next month amid concerns about FEMA constraints, reimbursement funding, and long‑term maintenance.
Representatives of Rocinante briefed the Nehalem City Council on plans to convert a corner lot into H Street Park and asked whether the city intends to accept the project and associated responsibilities.
Jim Fanjoy said the Rocinante investment group purchased the corner lot in 2021 and originally planned a mixed‑use building; after a zoning variance and design were obtained, construction pricing in 2022 made that option financially unfeasible. In 2024 the group pursued a grant to convert the lot to a park; Fanjoy said the county awarded $75,000 in January 2025 with a requirement that the park be completed within three years, and that Rocinante signed a lease with the city in April to lease the property for $1 per year for 11 years. Fanjoy asked whether the city intended to move forward, whether the city would be responsible for water bills, and whether the grant would need to be returned if the project did not proceed.
City Manager Lori Longfellow told the council the utility account had been converted into a no‑rate account and explained the county grant was reimbursement‑based, meaning the city would not have the $75,000 on hand and would be reimbursed after expenditures occurred. Councilor Doug Larzelier said FEMA requirements and site grading/elevation issues needed to be better understood before proceeding. Fanjoy said the original design avoided permanent structures because FEMA flood zone rules prevented them, favoring open space uses such as picnic areas and kayak staging. Emily Fanjoy, who wrote the grant application, emphasized the project’s economic intent to increase visitor activity and support local businesses and said the $75,000 "did not define the full range of what might be possible."
The council did not make a formal decision at the meeting; Mayor Chick suggested scheduling a discussion at the next meeting so the council could better evaluate FEMA, habitat assessment, and long‑term maintenance implications before committing city funds.
