City Council Debates Housing Code Amendments, Vacancy Tax, and Downtown Parking Requirements
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Public Comments and Concerns
The City Council meeting of Cannon Beach opened with public comments, providing residents an opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions. Several residents expressed their worries regarding the potential impact of new housing developments on the community.
One resident questioned how the city would ensure that affordable and workforce housing would be prioritized over profit-driven development. They also raised concerns about the environmental impact of increased density, particularly on the local watershed and tree canopy. They emphasized the importance of maintaining Cannon Beach's environmental sustainability while addressing housing needs.
Another resident, Claire Sroff, criticized the city's focus on large projects like the new city hall and the repurposing of the old school building, arguing that these projects seemed wasteful and not in line with the community's needs. They called for more transparency and voter involvement in such decisions.
Andrew Tonry echoed concerns about the housing crisis, emphasizing the need for more attainable housing. He pointed out that the city's current trajectory favored wealthy second homeowners over middle-income residents. He proposed several measures, including increasing density, reducing parking requirements, and implementing a vacancy tax to discourage absentee ownership and promote full-time residency.