Umatilla Basin Properties seeks to buy Boardman parcels on Front Street for commercial development

Umatilla Basin Properties told the Boardman Housing Committee that it is exploring purchase of several surplus city-owned parcels along Front Street and is seeking the committee’s early views on acceptable uses and sale conditions before the City Council considers a sale. Robert Eckenold, who identified himself as representing Umatilla Basin Properties, said the parcels have been on the market for more than a year and the company is assessing whether buying or financing development could produce a community benefit.

Eckenold said his firm is not presenting a finished development plan but is interested in facilitating commercial development. “I would not want it to sit vacant forever,” he said. He added he was not intending to build large recreational uses, saying, “I’m probably not gonna put an amusement park on — I probably don’t wanna do a swimming pool.” Committee members stressed the council will require clear planning and zoning compliance and asked that the city and developer clarify infrastructure responsibilities such as water and sewer.

City Manager Brandon Hammond told the group the committee’s input is intended to give the City Council better context before a sale. Committee members suggested the city consider sale terms that encourage restaurants, storefronts and support services that will complement nearby housing, and discussed options such as a right-of-first-offer or right-of-refusal to preserve local control. No formal vote or sale decision was made; staff were asked to continue vetting options and to report back to council.