Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in roads
Parking Master Plan Ad-Hoc Working Group
The city paused its plan to hire a consultant to update the 2019 downtown parking study, deciding instead to talk about a full citywide parking master plan first. It affects downtown businesses, shoppers and anyone who parks downtown.
Highway 30 Eastbound Merge Redesign at Columbia Street
ODOT redesigned the confusing eastbound merge near the Pig 'N Pancake after complaints, close calls, and queuing into the intersection. The new drop-lane design gives drivers 350 feet to merge instead of 170, with new signs and pavement markings. Councilors want bigger, clearer signage and asked how drivers who end up in the wrong lane will get back on track.
Cedar Creek Spur 1 Bridge in the Watershed
A failing culvert on Spur 1 Road near a critical water intake will be replaced with a fish-passable bridge, protecting watershed access and drinking water.
Crosswalk request at 20th Street between Aquatic Center and OSU Seafood Lab
A resident asked the city to paint a mid-block crosswalk on 20th Street between the Aquatic Center and the OSU Seafood Lab, citing fast-turning cars from Marine Drive and blocked sightlines. The city engineer agreed to review it, along with a second pedestrian connection near Exchange Street.
Highway 30 chair-wall system condition
The 100-plus-year-old wall holding up Highway 30 and downtown sidewalks has never been fully studied. The council agreed the first ask should be money for a comprehensive structural study — and some business owners have already spent $80,000+ shoring up their own sidewalks.
2026 Paving Project
Five street segments get repaved starting late July, including Irving Avenue and Halsey Road in Emerald Heights. Daytime full closures are expected on some streets, and residents will get door-hanger notices.
Irving Ave. at 27th St. emergency road repair
December's storm washed out a stretch of Irving Avenue, a key bypass when Marine Drive is blocked. The change order covers extra damage found before construction plus a prevailing-wage adjustment triggered when costs crossed $50,000.
ODOT ADA Curb Ramp Improvements
ODOT will replace about 125 curb ramps at 30 intersections across Astoria starting July 2026, at its expense. The City reviews plans and maintains improvements in its own rights-of-way; downtown's historic vaulted sidewalks will be preserved with surface-applied red domes rather than reconstruction.
Downtown Parking Reclaimed from Coast Guard
The Coast Guard gave up about 40 gravel-lot spaces near the Astoria Armory as it downsizes to fast response cutters. The city can now use the lot for about 50 incoming DHS employees, weekend and seasonal parking — though annual lease revenue drops $13,000.
Downtown parking study update and future of a private parking lot
Council approved publishing an RFP for a $40,000-$45,000 parking study update, though Davis pushed back in favor of better enforcement tools. A resident flagged the pending sale of a Marine Drive parking lot used for food distribution and VA shuttle parking.
Comprehensive Parking Master Plan Direction
Councilor Davis pushed for a demand-based strategic parking plan rather than another study, sharing a draft. The council agreed to pause the RFP, schedule a master plan work session, and have Davis present his proposal at a future meeting.
Irving Avenue corridor and 8th & Irving intersection safety
A commissioner questioned why traffic on Irving runs unimpeded at Eighth Street; the city engineer explained it follows the dominant traffic volume and truck route, and said the city is re-reviewing several confusing yield-sign intersections around town.