Developer: Front Street site unlikely to be built out within 18 months

Developers and committee members told the Boardman Housing Committee that a rapid two‑year buildout for the Front Street parcels is unlikely given permitting, financing and construction timelines. Robert Eckenold, representing Umatilla Basin Properties, said the market and permitting process usually extend timelines well beyond 18 months.

“Unless it's a parking lot, I don't think that's reasonable,” Eckenold said when asked whether a two‑ to three‑year development timetable was realistic. Another participant noted a recent large project took about 14 months just to secure permitting and lending, with an additional roughly 24 months for construction until final occupancy, underscoring multi‑year expectations. Committee members said early clarity on water, sewer and access from the NE Front Street project would help schedule realistic milestones.