River Street plan prompts residents to demand smaller design and tree protections; council creates River Street ad hoc committee

The Newberg City Council on April 20 established an ad hoc committee to advise on a proposed River Street reconstruction project after an extended public-comment period in which numerous residents urged the city to minimize property impacts and preserve mature street canopy.

Councilor Terguson, who will chair the ad hoc group, described a recent door-knocking effort and recommended a seven-member committee representing River Street blocks and the broader community. "There are really intentional relationships that have been cultivated along the street," Terguson said, arguing for block-based representation so neighbors have a single go‑to representative for their portion of River Street.

Residents delivered detailed counts during public comment. Renee Rodriguez, a River Street resident, said volunteer tallies found “63 properties affected. 79 trees in the planter strip removed. 76 trees beyond the sidewalk that fall within the proposed 80‑foot right of way,” and that many front yards, porches and driveways could be lost. "Zero property owners know exactly how this design will impact their individual property," Rodriguez said, asking the council to slow the project or reconsider cross-section options until property-level surveys were complete.

Several speakers asked that the council cede design guidance to the ad hoc committee: Elizabeth Todd requested arborist input and urged the council to set an initial working right‑of‑way target (for example, a 60‑foot limit) rather than consider an 80‑foot section. Others pushed for preserving the historic canopy and neighborhood livability; supporters of the project argued the street needs ADA-compliant sidewalks, improved bike/ped access and safer travel lanes.

Council members responded by emphasizing the preliminary nature of the engineer’s three proposals and agreeing that staff should pursue the least-invasive option feasible. Several councilors said they preferred keeping the street width closer to existing dimensions where possible and avoiding the 80‑foot section unless necessary. The mayor said the ad hoc meetings will be open to the public, recorded and advisory; the committee will not have a council quorum requirement and will forward recommendations to council.

Council adopted the amended resolution to form the ad hoc committee (Resolution 2026-420) by voice vote; the motion passed with all present members voting in favor. Staff noted that detailed property surveys and further design work will be needed to quantify parcel-level effects and that the ad hoc committee will be a venue for that community input.

Next steps: the ad hoc committee (seven community members, four nominated from River Street and three from the community at-large, with meetings held in the Public Safety Building) will meet, gather input and review design alternatives and technical materials presented by staff and consultants. Council emphasized that formal project approvals and any property‑taking steps will require future council action.