Halloween Guide 2022
State of the Port
Page A11-14
Page A3
$1.50
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
thechronicleonline.com
Serving Columbia County since 1881
Groundbreaking ceremony set for waterfront redevelopment JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net HERB SWETT chronicle1@countrymedia.net
City officials are preparing to break ground in November for the City of St. Helens first major infrastructure project as part of the ongoing efforts to redevelop and transform the St. Helens waterfront. First step The Streets and Utilities Extension Project is focused on improving key streets and intersections that already exist in the city’s historic Riverfront District and extending utilities onto the City’s 24-acre Riverfront Property, according to a release from the city. The project, which was launched in 2021, will set the groundwork for future public amenities and private development on the Riverfront Property. The City is interested in partnering with private developers who can build a mix of commercial and residential uses on the site. The project will im-
prove the safety of existing intersections, create inviting pedestrian connections in the Riverfront District, and increase parking in the area, according to St. Helens Public Works Director Mouhamad Zaher. “This project is a gamechanger for our beautiful city,” Zaher said. “It will transform our community in three major areas: infrastructure, transportation, and livability. Aging infrastructure will be addressed by upgrading our water and sewer systems, in addition to installing a new pump station. The safety of pedestrians and commuters will be enhanced by redesigning intersections and sidewalks and improving rights-of-way. Finally, we are connecting and enhancing the community’s access to the St. Helens waterfront through a safe and innovative engineering design.” Columbia County Economic Team Executive Director Paul Vogel said the City of St. Helens leadership has been very intentional, open, and transparent about the downtown and waterfront master planning. “This first phase is a long time coming, with a
lot of valuable input from citizens and experts alike,” Vogel said. “This first phase will provide the canvas upon which private investment can paint a robust mix of retail, commercial, and residential uses – all framed in the context of an historical district with wonderful public access to one of our most treasured assets, the Columbia River. The most important priority is to develop a community “place” that local residents love, and love to be. What attracts and excites locals will attract and excite visitors, adding greater tourism and hospitality to a balanced and productive economy.” What’s ahead Construction efforts will first be focused on the South 1st Street and St. Helens Street intersection. This intersection serves as a gateway to the city’s historic Riverfront District, welcoming residents and visitors to local businesses, government buildings, and the sites of major community events, the release states. The intersection’s new design will improve traffic flow, create safer pedestrian crossings,
This flyover shows the proposed St. Helens waterfront redevelopment site.
and install benches and other amenities. In addition to the South 1st Street and St. Helens Street intersection, the Streets and Utilities Extension Project will also: • Redesign South 1st Street and Cowlitz Street intersection • Extend Cowlitz Street onto the Riverfront Property with a roundabout feature which will connect seamlessly to the upcoming Riverwalk Project and Columbia View Park improvements scheduled to begin later, in 2023
• Redesign Strand Street to improve traffic safety and create a plaza above Columbia View Park, which will serve as a vendor space for events such as 13 Nights on the River • Extend South 1st Street to the Tualatin Street stairs and create a pedestrianfriendly intersection which will serve as a trailhead for a bluff trail • Create a bluff trail along the west side of the Riverfront Property that extends from South 1st Street to Nob Hill Nature Park and Plymouth Street • Extend underground
Tis the season, county tax statements coming
Courtesy from the City of St. Helens
utilities through the Riverfront Property to prepare the site for solicitation of a private development partner(s) • Fill in gaps in existing sidewalks and create landscaping The Streets and Utilities Extension Project is anticipated to take two years to complete. Construction will take place in a phased approach over the two years to allow for street detours and to minimize construction impacts to area residents and
See WATERFRONT Page A7
TERRYMASSEY4SHERIFF.VOTE
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
As summer turns to fall, the leaves change color, temperatures cool and Columbia County sends out tax statements. The following is from Columbia County Finance and Taxation. The Columbia County Finance and Taxation Department will begin mailing taxpayers the county’s annual statements on Oct. 21. Payments are due by Nov.15. Property taxes pay for a number of critical services including public safety (law enforcement, fire, and emergency services), parks, schools, public transportation, public defense, elections, community justice, and a host of other vital public services according to
Your FIRST VOTE for St. Helens City Council
Steve Toschi www.toschiforcitycouncil.com
• 33 years of St. Helens experience • Planning Commissioner
See TAXES Page A8 Opinion ....................... A4 Community Calendar ... A4 Garden Plots ................ A5
Classified Ads ............ A6 Crossword .................. A6 Legals .......................... A7 Obituaries ................ A10 Sports ....................... A10 Halloween Guide A11-14
Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 Email: chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051 Vol. 140, No. 42
• Safe Streets, Smart Growth, Economic Prosperity • Oregon Attorney with business success
Paid for by Elect Steve Toschi
Paid for by Pixley for Sheriff (19374)
BRANDON
SUNDEEN ST. HELENS CITY COUNCIL
Someone A Let’s bring who dedicated back some CARES VOLUNTEER CIVIC PRIDE
Let’s work together to make sure St. Helens remains a great place to live for years to come.
Paid for by Brandon Sundeen for City Council