Many of us make our home in Astoria because of this town’s beauty, original character and unique identity, and also because of the way all Astorians work together to make this community a better place. I, and many others here, are alarmed at the idea of any kind of generic chain restaurant on Astoria’s historic waterfront.

The Mo’s “saltwater taffy” chain restaurant design in the space where Vintage Hardware was located does not fit with Astoria’s historic waterfront identity and character. If you think Mo’s will hurt our small mom and pop restaurants, create terrible traffic problems on that narrow track (which is not even a dedicated “right of way”) and create a carnival atmosphere in a town where authenticity is our trademark, please, please come to the Astoria Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

We need to let our local leaders know that granting a conditional use permit for Mo’s in that location will take Astoria in a direction most folks here say they do not want to go, and set a precedent for more chains to take over our valuable spaces.

I am currently researching the city of Astoria’s criteria for a conditional use permit for Mo’s Restaurant. We need a large group of engaged and concerned citizens at the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday. If you have ideas and thoughts to share about this, please call me at 503-389-5336.

Daniel O’Donnell

Astoria