A supersized Costco is on its way into the North Coast Business Park – right across U.S. Highway 101 from the planned Home Depot store in Warrenton.

The Clatsop County Commission paved the way for Costco and other retail stores at its regular meeting in Seaside Wednesday by authorizing the sale of 75 acres east of Highway 101 in Warrenton to Atlin Investments Inc. for a sum of $8.6 million.

Costco plans to sign a purchase agreement with Atlin for the land to build a 150,000-square-foot retail outlet that will be twice the size of the current Costco in Warrenton. The plans include 700 parking stalls and a gas station.

Dave Messner, regional director of the Northwest Atlantic Partnership and the real estate representative for Costco, fielded questions from commissioners prior to the unanimous 4-0 vote in favor of the land sale.

Commissioner Jeff Hazen excused himself from the vote because he is assistant manager at the Costco in Warrenton.

“How much is the investment and how many jobs will it bring?” asked Commissioner Sam Patrick.

Messner said the store will require 250 employees. According to Hazen, the current Costco employs 120.

“I’m glad you asked about the investment,” said Messner. “It’s a complicated site. We have some access issues, some wetlands, some rezoning and some structural soils issues we have to figure out. We have to spend a lot of money just to get the answers.”

Before construction can begin, Atlin will need to obtain a zone change from “light industrial” to “general commercial” use from the city of Warrenton. The company will also need approval from the Oregon Department of Transportation for direct access from the highway. The county will receive full payment for the land once Atlin and Costco complete their analysis of the property and obtain the necessary permits and approvals.

Patrick joked that the new Costco “will be the only place in the county with adequate parking.”

Wes Giesbrecht, president of Atlin Investments, told the board he wasn’t sure what other retailers were bound for the property, though there is enough space for two Costco-sized “anchors” and some “smaller retailers.”

“We’re taking requests from county commissioners,” he said.

County Administrator Scott Derickson suggested Cabellas, an outdoor sporting goods store.

“Or a Sportsman’s Warehouse,” said Patrick. “I like that one too. Thank you all. We’ll look forward to the opening in 18 months.”

Messner said “in a perfect world” the new Costco would be up and running by the end of 2008, but he expects it to be open by the summer of 2009.

He said he doesn’t know what will become of the current Costco building east on Harbor Drive.

“I get a lot of calls on it,” he said. “It won’t be vacant.”

In other business, the Commission:

? Changed its contract with the Jordan Schrader law firm and increased the “not to exceed” annual payments from $425,000 to $510,000. County Counsel Andy Jordan’s services have expanded with Measure 37 claims and legal issues related to the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas proposal. The new agreement limits Jordan’s review of Measure 37 claims in light of the county’s new “streamlined” process, so he will not be required to attend commission meetings in the future. Instead, county counsels Heather Reynolds and Blair Henningsgaard will sit in on meetings. Derickson noted Northern Star Natural Gas will be reimbursing the county for legal expenses related to its land use application.

? Approved an expansion of the Cannon Beach Urban Growth Boundary to include two residential properties and voted to amend the county comprehensive plan and zoning map accordingly.

? Received a clean bill of fiscal health from auditors at Merina & Company.

? Approved by a 4-1 vote the following appointments to the budget committee: Joe Bakkensen from District 2, Cary Johnson, District 4 and Dan Bartlett, District 3. Commissioner Patricia Roberts voted against after suggesting Carl Anderson from District 2 be appointed.

? Postponed appointments to the 4-H & Extension Service committee to advertise for applicants.