Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with low priority
Masquerade liquor license at 1020 Commercial Street
Seedborn LLC dba Masquerade is applying for a Limited On-Premises Sales License for its new location at 1020 Commercial Street. Police reviewed the application and raised no objections.
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.
LED streetlight conversion proposal
Pacific Power wants Astoria to convert roughly 700 street lights to LED, with incentives cutting the city's share to about $50,000 and saving around $25,000 a year — a two-to-three-year payback.
Coast Guard City Designation
Astoria is renewing its Coast Guard City status, first earned in 2011. The designation honors the deep ties between the community and Coast Guard members, who serve as neighbors, mentors, and part of the local workforce.
Hillside Cemetery native planting and reforestation
Parks staff are planting two 50-by-50-foot areas with 24 Oregon native species at Hillside Cemetery this fall — a first step toward long-term reforestation and possibly an arboretum-like space.
Oregon Film Museum parking hurdle
The long-discussed Oregon Film Museum has roughly $10 million in seed money but is stuck on parking — the zoning analysis says 18 off-site spaces are needed, though a traffic analysis suggests fewer might work. No formal application has been filed yet.
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.
June 1 meeting length and June 2 continuation
The June 1 agenda is packed with hot-button items — camping code, homeless liaison, charter amendments. Council agreed to reserve June 2 for carryover so decisions aren't made late at night.
Fort George signage variance in downtown historic district
A historic 1920 downtown building is getting well above the normal sign allowance, framed as architecturally compatible band signage matching the brewery's main building and the building's own historic look. It shows how the city balances sign-code limits with historic character and business identity.
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 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.
Accessibility and Disability Awareness
Resident Mary Eng urged the council to keep sidewalks, shelters, libraries and other public facilities accessible and disability-friendly, drawing on her family's experience with disability.