Astoria Planning Commission Meeting - October 28, 2025

The Astoria Planning Commission met on October 28, 2025, at 5:56 PM (immediately following the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee meeting) in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting focused on a conditional use request for a new pizzeria, along with staff updates on departmental growth and upcoming code amendments. The meeting adjourned at 6:31 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The commission approved the July 22, 2025 draft meeting minutes by a vote of 7 to 0 (Ayes: Corcoran, Henri, Haefker, Kroening, Magie, Francis, Womack; Nays: None). A correction was made to note Commissioner Francis was present.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Applicant Testimony: Joe Christian (460 McClure, Astoria) presented the proposal for Sub Rosa Pizza House, emphasizing the community need for a year-round gathering space on the South Slope. He stated the location at 711 Madison Avenue was perfect for his project and requested approval.
• Public Support: Seven individuals testified in favor:
  • Steve Headrick (984 Clatsop Ave.) – in favor, citing the applicants’ responsibility and quality pizza.
  • David Weber (4623 Ash St.) – in favor, highlighting the applicants’ commitment to the neighborhood through small business classes and proper process.
  • Corrine Garrison (584 8th St., property owner) – in favor, noting the building previously housed her private school (Sunberry Hill Academy) and that the neighborhood needs more dining options, especially with pickleball courts attracting activity.
  • Prudence Pierce (584 8th St.) – in favor, supporting a pizzeria for easier access for hilltop residents and as a hangout spot.
  • Brad Pietzyk (529 Klaskanine) – in favor, emphasizing that the South Slope is a community hub with many walkers, including disabled veterans, and that another eating establishment would serve them.
• No opposition or neutral testimony was presented.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation: City Planner Tiffany Taylor presented the staff report, summarizing the conditional use request for a small-scale pizzeria (dine-in and to-go) in an existing 480-square-foot building, most recently a daycare. The site is in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Zone. Staff found the proposal met all applicable criteria (Articles 2, 7, and 11) and recommended approval subject to standard conditions. Eight letters of support were received before the meeting, three additional after, all in favor.
• Commission Deliberation: Commissioners discussed the strong neighborhood support, compatibility with surrounding uses (Peter Pan Market, park, church), and the conditional use criteria. Commissioner Henri noted the neighborhood needs another eating establishment and the proposal was a “slam dunk.” Commissioner Womack praised the positive community backing. Commissioner Magie expressed excitement for increased vitality on the hilltop.

Key Outcomes

• Motion and Vote: Commissioner Henri moved to adopt the findings and conclusions in the staff report for Conditional Use CU25-06 and approve the request. Commissioner Womack seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 7 to 0. (Ayes: Corcoran, Henri, Womack, Francis, Kroening, Magie, Haefker; Nays: None.)
• Conditions: Approval is subject to standard conditions of approval outlined in the staff report (pages 13-14). The permit will be void after two years unless substantial construction begins; the Community Development Director may extend the permit one year. Appeals must be filed within 15 days of mailing of the order.
• Instructions: President Corcoran read the appeal rights into the record.

Staff / Status Reports

• Next Meetings: The November 25, 2025 meeting was cancelled due to no complete applications. The December 23, 2025 meeting is scheduled; one application has been deemed complete, with a second possible.
• Department Updates: Community Development Director John Roberts reported unprecedented growth in Astoria. Staffing changes include new Permit Technician Denese Klemple, Deputy Building Official Edward Hatley (taking over as Building Official), and a new Associate Planner starting mid-November, bringing the department to 10 employees. Amanda Perron has left.
• Code Modernization: A major push for 2026 will begin in January with a draft sign code for CMH. A development review audit by 3J Consulting is concluding and will recommend code amendments focused on streamlining processes, definitions, and updating temporary use permits. The commission will hold work sessions for these amendments.
• Parks Master Plan: An Open House will be held November 15, 2025, 12-2 PM at the Armory, with free food, prizes, and skate night passes. The online survey is encouraged.
• Public Comment (Non-Agenda): None.

Report of Officers

• Commissioner Kroening inquired about responsibility for the unpaved portion of 7th Street north of Niagara (access to the applicant’s business). Planner Taylor relayed from City Engineer Nathan Crater that it is an unimproved right-of-way; maintenance is the responsibility of adjacent property owners. To become a city road, an application to Public Works would be needed, with costs borne by owners.