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After debate, council acknowledges Heritage Square designs and commits to creating public park space
Summary
Councilors acknowledged three concept designs for Heritage Square and voted to commit to creating a public park in the site, while council and community members debated parking, maintenance costs (estimated $2,600'$8,000 monthly depending on options), EPA remediation timing, and funding strategies for construction and upkeep.
The Astoria City Council spent the evening reviewing a preferred concept for Heritage Square prepared by 1st 40 Feet and discussing whether the city should commit to public-park use for the long-vacant downtown parcel.
Consultants presented a blended design that preserves existing parking counts while adding a large flexible hardscape plaza, garden buffers connected to the nearby Garden of Surging Waves, a covered canopy structure on Duane as a signature element, integrated programmable lighting and room for public art. "We wanted to provide a space for as many people as possible...a flexible, all-weather space," the lead presenter said.
Cost consultant Gabriel Cruz presented a conceptual cost range of about $2.6 million to $4.7 million depending on materials and add-ons (an additive option for a Portland Loo and different lighting/structure treatments increase the top end). Cruz and staff provided maintenance estimates and caution that electrical and lighting systems have ongoing app- or software-related maintenance costs. Parks director Dart McLean said some construction elements had been delayed by supply issues on related lighting projects but overall supported continued pursuit of funding to complete the Riverwalk and to explore funding for Heritage Square.
Council and public commenters debated parking: several councilors and community speakers urged keeping parking to support downtown merchants and accessibility, while others and consultant survey results favored a more people-centric plaza with less parking. Friends of Heritage Square and other commenters emphasized the need for a business plan, a clear maintenance funding strategy (one group said they would not support construction until a maintenance endowment of $250,000 existed) and more structured public-private partnership arrangements. After extended discussion councilor Adams moved that the council "acknowledge the three concept designs presented by 1st 40 Feet that outline a vision for Heritage Square as a public space," which passed; councilor Davis then moved and the council passed a separate motion committing the council to creating a park and public space in Heritage Square.
Councilors asked staff to refine the motion language for future meetings so the public understands what endorsement means, and staff said the EPA no-further-action grant application has been submitted and that the conceptual plan will be useful to support grant applications and future design phases. Several councilors asked for a follow-up work session focused on funding, parking policy and long-term maintenance before committing construction dollars.
