Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 25, 2020)
The Columbia Press September 25, 2020 3 Business and Development tidbits Highway 101 bus stop could be a grand setting for riders Sunset Empire Transporta- tion District has applied for funding to improve the bus stop at Warrenton’s busiest intersection. Oregon Department of Transportation and the Northwest Oregon Transit Alliance, of which SETD is a member, recently complet- ed a study on areas where people might have problems accessing public transporta- tion. The bus stop on Highway 101 near Ensign (in front of Taco Bell) falls into that cat- egory. Today it is a single bench with a sign and no oth- er amenities. Its inclusion in the state transportation improvement funding plan would mean construction of a bus pull- out, a large shelter, better signs, lighting, a trash recep- tacle, bike racks and, possi- bly, a bike repair station. “There’s a whole lot that goes on in planning a transit stop,” district Executive Di- rector Jeff Hazen told War- renton city commissioners wildfires. Three horses from Can- by sought refuge at the fair- grounds. New gateway standards Tuesday night. “I am excit- ed about getting a real stop there. I think it will benefit everybody.” Last year, the district be- gan making improvements and expanded several routes thanks to new transit taxes paid by the state’s workers. “Ridership shot through the roof,” he said. The pan- demic brought it back down, yet routes in Warrenton and Hammond have stayed strong. Big red barn The dairy barn at Clatsop County Fairgrounds has been painted rustic barn red with white trim. The barn and other parts of the fairgrounds went into service last week as those in other areas of the state sought refuge for their livestock from the choking smoke of Community event planned for Halloween The Columbia Press With so many events can- celled this year – and some communities banning door- to-door trick-or-treating – Warrenton’s children will have a fun activity on Hallow- een. On Tuesday night, city com- missioners approved an appli- cation from Spruce Up War- renton to have a Halloween Trunk or Treat event at Rob- inson Community Park. “We’re going to play it pret- ty safe,” said Jeanne Smith, event organizer. There will be no congregat- ing, those handing out treats must wear gloves and masks, and each stop on the trick-or- treating path around the park will be distanced from the others. The free event is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the park, which is on Alder Ave- nue behind City Hall. Warrenton businesses will decorate their vehicles and park in designated spots around the park. Children will make their way in the same direction from trunk to trunk collecting candy and other items. “We’re not asking for money, this is totally donations from businesses,” Smith told com- missioners, who unanimously approved the application. At the city’s request, Spruce Up members contacted Clat- sop County Public Health for advice on ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the city will look into providing hand-washing stations at the entry and exit of the trick-or- treating route, City Manager Linda Engbretson said. Warrenton city commis- sioners gave final approval this week to a plan that limits the design and placement of ministorage units in the city. The Commercial Corridor Design Standards prohibit new ministorage warehous- es on South Main Avenue in downtown Warrenton and on Pacific Drive through down- town Hammond. It also requires any poten- tial ministorage facilities to be built at least 100 feet off of Harbor Drive. The main thoroughfares de- serve tougher standards, city officials have said, because they are gateways into the community. There are no ministorage applications pending in the city, said Mark Barnes, inter- im community development director. Waterline to Hammond An improved water line to Hammond – in the city’s plans for decades – is expected to go out to bid next month, City Manager Linda Engbretson said. The drinking water main line will follow the Warrenton Wa- terfront Trail from Warren- ton Marina out to downtown Hammond. New business and home de- velopment have been stalled in Hammond because of prob- lems with water flow and low pressure, which can lead to water quality problems and fire safety issues. The $1.645 million project received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Loan program. Warrenton is considered a disadvantaged city because there are lots of miles of ag- ing pipe without enough tax- payers per mile to adequately maintain them. That made it more eligible for the grant. What isn’t covered by the grant will be funded with a loan at 1 percent interest. the Columbia Great Columbia Crossing Virtual 10K / 5K Race registration is $40 and includes race bib, finisher medal, long sleeve T-shirt, coupon book and more. Enjoy the perks of a virtual event: Pick your race course. Avoid the crowds. Choose your start time. Set your own pace. GreatColumbiaCrossing.com Registration is open now! Complete your race between October 11-17, 2020.