Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues in parks rec
Doughboy Monument centennial and Veterans Day
The Column turns 100 with a free community party at Heritage Square and a rededication ceremony on July 18, plus a York interpretive panel unveiling July 1.
Riverwalk bicycle safety
Fast-moving e-bikes on the Riverwalk remain a concern, but staff say an outright ban would be hard to enforce and legally shaky. Instead, the city is installing reflective share-the-path signs and working with police on education — with a ban kept on the table if problems continue.
Disc golf feasibility at Shively Park
Astoria may get a free, 18-hole wooded disc golf course winding through Shively Park's perimeter and connecting to Evergreen Fields. Baskets are donated and volunteers would build much of it, but residents have raised concerns about pedestrian safety, parking, weddings, and the park's quiet character. A public open house on August 19 will shape whether the board recommends the project in September.
Astoria Aquatic Center / Community Center investment
A resident has offered to donate up to $20,000 for a sauna at the Aquatic Center, plus possible maintenance support. Staff are still checking feasibility — power, code requirements, location, and upkeep.
Regional Library Sharing Expanded
Astoria cardholders can now borrow directly from Seaside and Warrenton libraries — holds arrive in one to two weeks, or you can just drive over. Non-residents outside the three cities still pay $70 a year, and councilor Davis pushed for pursuing countywide service.
Riverwalk lighting extension to Upper Town
The council approved buying 40 solar bollard lights to extend Riverwalk lighting from 35th Street toward the LaPlante Spur — a long-awaited fix for Upper Town at roughly half the cost of wired lights.
17th Street floating dock replacement
The old dock is closed because it's unsafe; repairs were running near $50,000 a year. A new, sturdier dock will cost about $429,000 total.
Parks Master Plan Update
Nine months of public engagement produced a final draft Parks Master Plan with an implementation matrix for the next decade. City Council heard a largely positive work session and will consider adoption June 15. Recommendations are guideposts, not automatic projects — residents will still get input on specifics like the dog park.
Astoria Column 100th Anniversary Celebration
The Column turns 100 with a free community party at Heritage Square and a rededication ceremony on July 18, plus a York interpretive panel unveiling July 1.
Temporary art display application — Paul Soriano
Local artists, schools, and community groups can now show artwork in designated library spaces under a new policy. Displays are capped at about three months, must be approved by the Library Director, and can't include graphic violence, explicit imagery, or election campaign material.
Library of Things collection
A seed library is now set up at the library and listed on seedlibrarynetwork.org, with brochures to be added and monthly restocking planned.
Evergreen Field improvements grant
The board endorsed pursuing a state grant to add a second ball field at upper Evergreen Fields — a big win for softball and T-ball programs — plus picnic shelters, a small play structure for younger siblings, path resurfacing, and restroom renovations. School district leaders wrote letters of support.
Maritime Memorial engraving funding shortfall
More families asked for engravings at the Maritime Memorial than budgeted, so the council moved $3,000 from the fund's contingency to cover the extra work — paid for by engraving fees already collected.
Securing leaning memorial panels
Fifty-eight panels at the Maritime Memorial are leaning, and a full fix could cost around $658,000. The city is starting with a single test panel removal (at least $18,000) to figure out what's really wrong before committing to more.
Parking enforcement at the Memorial
Officers still chalk tires to enforce two-hour parking. Staff want license plate readers — about $60,000 up front plus $2,000-$4,000 a year — to automate citations, online payments, and appeals, with privacy limits on data retention.
Marine railway deterioration near the Memorial
Committee members worry the old marine railway northwest of the Memorial is degrading from tides and weather. It sits on Port property, so they're considering asking the Port — and Bergerson Construction for a quote — to help shore it up.
Wayfinding for finding names on the memorial
Englund Marine wants to buy a full panel (about $7,000) to honor its eight founders and its 80-plus years supporting Astoria's maritime community. The committee likes the idea and a final proposal comes back next meeting.
Former Central School Site — Park Proposal
Resident Jim Spence proposed the city buy the former Central School property, contingent on voter approval of a bond measure, and turn it into a park, citing failed multifamily housing attempts and groundwater problems.
Astoria Public Library Renovation Costs Rising
The library renovation contract grew by another $75,800 as the council approved Amendment No. 7, pushing the guaranteed maximum price to nearly $8.45 million on the 2022 bond project.
New library community reception
Board members report strong positive feedback about the new library building, including its artwork, tutoring space, and meeting rooms. The Library of Things is progressing slowly due to staffing shortages but remains a priority.
Astoria Library Friends Association bookstore opening
ALFA plans to open its bookstore in April, is selling buttons as a fundraiser, and is recruiting new board members.
Astoria Column parking fee increase proposal
The annual Column parking pass doubles to $10, with a $5 rate in December and January. The city's cut rises to $2 per pass, and roughly $1.5 million in future restoration work is anticipated.
Bumble Childcare sewage pump emergency
Two failing sewage pumps at the city-owned childcare building need about $40,000 in replacement. The Council transferred the money from parks contingency so the regional childcare provider can stay open safely.
Wayfinding for locating names on the memorial
Finding a specific name on the memorial wall is hard, and the committee wants a system to help. Scott McMullen is researching options, and a high school student might catalogue the engravings as a Senior Project.