The Empire area of Coos Bay will need to wait a little while longer before it sees improvements to its waterfront.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency asked staff to compose a request for proposals for a master plan of the Hollering Place area. The city originally had considered constructing a wayside at the location, but a geological study of the site suggested it might cost $500,000 to build. The need for retaining walls to support the wayside on less than stable soil was given as the reason for the large price tag.

While some councilors said the $500,000 figure was as solid as the Hollering Place hillside, everyone agreed a master plan was the best approach.

“We need to master plan this site out, develop a project prospectus,” said City Manager Chuck Freeman. “Then we can shop around for private sector funds.”

Mayor Jeff McKeown suggested the master plan could be one part of a two-pronged approach, the other course being to consider building a less expansive wayside.

Freeman said it would take several months to complete a master plan, perhaps longer depending upon the amount of public involvement.

The council, as well as several Empire residents, appeared willing to wait.

“I think we need to do this smartly and not in haste,” said Councilor Stephanie Kramer, an Empire resident and business owner. “We want it done, but we want it done right.”

-Alexander Rich, staff writer