Council schedules second reading of Astor East urban renewal amendment to support workforce housing

The Astoria City Council conducted a public hearing Feb. 2 on a substantial amendment to the Astor East urban renewal plan and voted to schedule second reading and a final vote for Feb. 17, 2026.

City staff described the amendment as adding two parcels — identified as Copeland Commons and Dairy Gold — totaling roughly 8.37 acres to the urban renewal area, a tax-increment financing tool formed in 1980. Staff said Cobeland/Copeland Commons has the potential to support "at least 60 units of workforce housing," and Dairy Gold was also described as having capacity for roughly 60 units. The staff presentation noted notice was mailed to utility billing customers and that the Planning Commission found the amendment aligns with the comprehensive plan.

During public comment, Andy Kipp, president of the Astoria Housing Alliance, thanked the council and planning commission for advancing housing: "As the president of the Astoria Housing Alliance, I think this is, signaling great work by the council, to further, creating opportunities for housing and housing affordability in Astoria," he said. Councilors asked about property-owner questions for parcels adjacent to the YMCA and disclosed communications with stakeholders. Councilor Davis signaled he would abstain from the eventual vote; the motion to proceed with a first reading (Ordinance 26-02) passed with a recorded abstention from Councilor Davis and affirmative votes from other members.

Director Norton read the ordinance title during the meeting; the ordinance’s second reading and final council vote are scheduled for Feb. 17, 2026.