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Mosier schedules May 7 hearing for proposed skate park after public safety questions and planning clarifications
Summary
The Mosier City Council confirmed a May 7 conditional-use hearing on a proposed skate park and instructed staff to distribute notice and a staff report at least seven days before the hearing after residents raised safety, environmental and traffic concerns.
The Mosier City Council confirmed a May 7 conditional-use hearing on a proposed skate park after multiple residents raised safety, environmental and maintenance concerns during public comment.
Several public commenters urged caution about the proposed location. Jayne Elken expressed concern about risks and maintenance; Steve Erspamer, who lives across from the site, said the location was “too dangerous” and urged traffic-calming measures before park construction. Tom Inowe, who identified himself as a professional skateboarder of more than 50 years, said he will attend the May 7 hearing to offer expertise, and Joseph Parks spoke in favor of the park, citing the positive effects of Portland’s Burnside Bridge skate space.
City Planners Jaime Crawford and Dan Meader told the council that oral testimony will be taken at the May 7 hearing and not at the April 2 meeting, while written comments may be submitted in advance. Planner Crawford said staff will send written notifications to property owners within 300 yards of the proposed site and will include prior site assessment material in the staff report. Planners emphasized that the council will act in a legislative role for this application, and that quasi-judicial procedures apply when the council weighs the merits of an individual project.
Residents and officials also raised traffic-calming alternatives. Tracy Humphrey suggested speed signs on both sides of the bridge rather than speed bumps; Scott Hage, identified as from Wasco County, said The Dalles has speed-sign equipment the city might be able to borrow.
The council directed staff to secure the Grange Hall for what staff expect to be a high-attendance hearing, prepare sign-up sheets for public testimony, and set up video equipment at the venue. The planners were instructed to distribute the staff report at least seven days before the May 7 hearing and to include the earlier site assessment in the materials.
Next steps: the council will hold the May 7 conditional-use hearing where the skate park proposal will receive oral testimony and formal consideration under the city's public-notice procedures.
