Astoria Development Commission Meeting - June 2, 2026

Note: The agenda and transcript list this meeting as Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM. However, per the provided instruction, the official date is June 2, 2026. The summary uses the instructed date, and the discrepancy is noted.

The Astoria Development Commission (ADC) met to approve a consent calendar item, authorize a storefront improvement grant agreement, and adopt the FY2026-27 budget. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• 4.a – Clerical Correction to FY2025-26 Budget Resolution: The commission approved a resolution correcting a clerical error in the previously adopted 2025-26 ADC budget. Motion by Commissioner Davis, second by Commissioner Adams, passed unanimously (5-0).

Discussion Items

• 5.a – Request for Authorization to Sign a Grant Agreement (Triangle Tavern): Associate Planner Sam Peterson presented a request to authorize a $12,500 Storefront Improvement Program grant for the owners of 222 W Marine Drive (Triangle Tavern). The grant requires a 75% match from the applicant, making the total project value approximately $50,000. The work includes window replacements, exterior door replacement, siding repair, paint refresh, and a new railing on the south storefront. The building is within the Uniontown Historic District but is not itself historic. Commissioner Adams asked if doors were included as separate upgrades; staff confirmed one door is being replaced. Following discussion, Commissioner Adams moved to authorize the grant agreement with Major Triangle LLC for $12,500. Second by Commissioner Davis. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

• 5.b – Public Hearing and Adoption of ADC Budget FY2026-27: City Manager Mr. Spence presented the FY2026-27 budget, which had been endorsed by the budget committee on April 22, 2026. He reviewed the four primary district goals (housing, infrastructure, economic activity, property value enhancement) and four assistance programs (gap financing loans up to $250,000, revolving lines of credit, one-for-one matches up to $50,000 for nonprofits, and city-sponsored grants). The Astor East Urban Renewal District (created in 1980, 57 acres) is still active, generating approximately $345,000 in property tax increment revenue next year, with roughly $3.5 million remaining in the fund. Past projects include the Liberty Theater and Heritage Square; a proposed project for FY2026-27 is a roof replacement for the Astoria Aquatic Center. The Astor West Urban Renewal District (205 acres, Port of Astoria) has reached its maximum indebtedness and has about $5.5 million remaining to invest; past projects include the Riverwalk Lighting and storefront grants. No new projects are identified for West, but capacity exists. Commissioner Mazzarella moved to adopt the resolution approving the budget for both districts and authorizing the tax increment for Astor East. Second by Commissioner Davis. Roll call vote: all ayes (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony was offered on any agenda item or during the non-agenda public comment period. No hands were raised in chambers or online.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Approved: The clerical correction to the FY2025-26 budget was approved unanimously.
• Triangle Tavern Grant Authorized: Staff was authorized to execute a grant agreement for up to $12,500 for exterior improvements, with a 75% match from the property owner. Completion expected within one year.
• FY2026-27 Budget Adopted: The ADC budget for both Astor East and Astor West Urban Renewal Districts was adopted, including authorization to collect tax increment revenues for Astor East. The budget had been recommended by the budget committee on April 22, 2026.
• Next Steps: Staff will execute the Triangle Tavern grant agreement and administer the adopted budget starting July 1, 2026.