The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency on Tuesday adopted Resolution 25-004 to accept real property and authorize the agency manager to execute a dedication agreement with the City of The Dalles for the Federal Street Plaza.
Joshua Chandler, community development director and agency manager, told the board the action follows a city right-of-way vacation and the statutorily required rededication by abutting owners so the plaza can be developed as public property. Chandler said the agency previously allocated $150,000 to support a $1 million Oregon Parks grant for the plaza.
The item drew a safety question from a public commenter who identified themself as a firefighter and said closing the road could impede emergency response. “Locks on bollards delay things way too long,” the firefighter said, adding that closing roads “always creates problems for emergency responders.”
A board member responded that the design includes removable bollards and that emergency vehicles can access the plaza through an alleyway when needed. Chandler confirmed the vacation and rededication process is complete and that the dedication would return the parcel to the city for public plaza use.
After discussion, a board member moved to adopt Resolution 25-004 and the board approved the resolution by voice vote.
The dedication clears a procedural step needed for the plaza to move forward. The project was included in the agency’s recent plan amendment and the agency has provided grant support; the city and agency staff will continue design and permitting work as the final steps toward construction.
A final vote recorded the motion as adopted; no further conditions were added at the board meeting.