Residents urge North Bend to pursue rail‑to‑trail connection and address waterfront camping

Several residents used the public‑comment period at the June 9 North Bend council meeting to press the city to pursue a rails‑to‑trails connection and to ask for action on camping along the waterfront.

Dean Lundy said the city’s “connect the boardwalks” concept between North Bend and Coos Bay should be explored as part of the National Rails‑to‑Trails network and offered volunteer help to contact the Rails‑to‑Trails Conservancy. The city administrator later told the meeting that a support letter for Rails‑for‑the‑Trails had already been sent in coordination with regional partners and the port.

Mike Powder, speaking later in public comment, urged the city to improve bicycle infrastructure and to consider converting the rail corridor to a trail. He also described tents, trash and people who appeared to be using drugs on the waterfront, saying those conditions deter tourists and asked that camping in that area be moved or better managed.

Councilors acknowledged the concerns and described limits to local authority. Councilors and the mayor encouraged constituents to contact state legislators or work on countywide solutions, and noted the city’s law‑enforcement team and community resources officers make nightly efforts to move people along while broader housing and service solutions are needed.

The transcript does not record a specific policy vote, new funding, or a staff assignment with a timeline; staff indicated follow‑up with the rail‑to‑trails inquiry would occur.