City planners approve designs for development alongside Highway 101

By Alexander Rich, Staff Writer

The Coos Bay Planning Commission approved the designs Tuesday for a mixed-use complex at the north end of Front Street. Across U.S. Highway 101 from the Red Lion Hotel and Lumbermen's Building Centers, the development would include two, four-story condominium structures and a 21,700-square-foot commercial building. Combined, the three buildings will have a foot print of about 46,700 square feet.

The application, filed by Jay Eastwood, of Grants Pass, fairly sailed through the review process, though some concerns were raised about landscaping and pedestrian walkways.

One crucial question that did not get answered was how future residents and customers would get to the new buildings. Much like the site for the proposed Home Depot in North Bend, there currently is no street access for the Eastwood development from Highway 101. That matter will need to be addressed by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Part of the problem is the location of the railroad tracks that run alongside the highway. Because of their proximity, they would impede the development of an intersection from Highway 101.

Brian Genovese, a transportation engineer with JRH of Eugene, said ODOT had suggested relocating the railroad tracks approximately two feet eastward. The additional space would allow for the extension of Hemlock Avenue into the center of the complex. Currently, Hemlock deadends at the southbound lanes of Highway 101.

While fairly confident of securing the extension, Genovese was less sure about the possibility of getting a traffic signal at the intersection. A traffic signal is located on Highway 101 at Koosbay Boulevard, about a quarter mile from Hemlock. ODOT has a history of disapproving signals so close together because they inhibit the flow of highway traffic.

“They aren't into access,” Genovese said. “They are into freeway business.”

“But it would definitely operate better as a signalized intersection with a pedestrian crosswalk to facilitate safe movement.”

Because of the uncertainty involved in obtaining traffic permits from ODOT, the commission allowed Eastwood a two-year window to begin construction, instead of the normal one-year period.

Discussions about road reconfiguration were not solely limited to the highway. As part of the Eastwood site design, the proponents suggested rerouting Front Street closer to shore, in between a proposed parking lot and the commercial building. It would then intersect Hemlock at what is currently being termed a round-about, though it may serve as a normal junction.

The relocation of both Front Street and Hemlock Avenue will need to be approved at a later date before construction may begin.

As for the buildings themselves, a total of 60 condominiums will be constructed in the two residential structures. Units, each about 1,150 square feet, will have a bay window facing out on the water and a deck. Between first-floor garages and outdoor slots, the development will include 308 parking spaces.

As part of the waterfront heritage zoning district, the building must evoke architectural styles from between the 1870s and the 1920. To that effect, the buildings have gray siding and shingles with beige and brown panels.

The commercial building will have its main entrance on the west side, with secondary shed roofs surrounding the building to keep customers dry during the winter months. The main roof will be a brick red color, with the remainder of the structure painted dark red and brown. Doors and windows will be styled after a cannery or mill of the historic era, the staff design review stated. The designs call for wood construction instead of cement, unless the cost of materials is appreciably cheaper with the latter.

Although the commission unanimously approved the design review, it requested a review of irrigation and landscape plans before work begins.

“We've seen it in the past, and I don't like the starkness of going from the highway to the parking lot without some form of landscaping,” said Chris Hood. “(More landscaping) is something I would like to see here.”

It also wanted to ensure pedestrian access to the waterfront would be provided, which Eastwood indicated would be the case.

In general, the commission approved of the design of the buildings.

“This is very nicely developed,” said Chairman Bruce Harlan.

In other business on Tuesday, the Planning Commission received public testimony regarding a dispute over the operations of a towing company conducted by Tina Amatisto and Imran Ali in a residential area. No decision was reached by the commission, which requested further staff consideration of the issues at hand.

To view a graphic of the Eastwood Development click here.

- Staff Writer Alexander Rich covers the city of Coos Bay. He can be reached by calling 269-1222, ext 271; or by e-mailing arich@theworldlink.com.