Seaside public works shares goal

of permanent camp for homeless

SEASIDE — At a city goal-setting meeting in January, the city’s public works director discussed establishing a permanent location for the homeless camp currently in the Mill Ponds.

A permanent homeless camp would be in the best interest of residents and businesses to protect the environment and be inclusive, said Dale McDowell, the outgoing director. Police and public works share responsibility for the day-to-day management and conditions at the park.

In the camp’s current location, campers face risk during inclement weather and flooding. Campers currently use pallets underneath their tents to keep out moisture, McDowell added.

A homeless man was rescued from floodwaters on Dec. 27, and another man was found dead at his campsite the previous week.

In November, city staff made a recommendation for an alternative site for Mill Ponds campers, near Avenue S, adjacent to the recycling center. That space is considered too close to the road, creating safety problems for campers and motorists.

An emergency shelter on S. Roosevelt Drive, operated by Clatsop Community Action and Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers, opened in November but hours are limited.

Costs to manage cleanup and maintenance at the camp comes out of the public works budget, McDowell said.

A permanent camp would reduce the department’s time significantly, McDowell said, and enable more time to be spent on maintaining the camp, so emergency situations do not always arise.

The estimated budget or resource impact of a permanent camp is unknown, due to the varying numbers of campers, now estimated at 26.

“I don’t know how many are sleeping in cars or tents or anything else we’re not involved in,” McDowell said. “The whole houseless issue isn’t a public works issue. We’re just helping with the cleanup of it.”

Veterans group to launch outreach

Virtue at the Pointe Recovery Center, an Astoria inpatient substance abuse treatment facility for veterans, is spearheading a new group dedicated to the veterans community.

The North Coast Veterans Action Coalition will have its first meeting on Thursday at the Port Light Cafe at Camp Rilea following the community veterans breakfast.

Josh Davis, a case manager and veteran service officer with Virtue at the Pointe Recovery Center, said the plan is to introduce the group and then bring resources to the table for veterans to engage with on a monthly basis.

He said the resources presented monthly will evolve to suit the needs of veterans.

Davis said people can find up-to-date information on the Facebook page North Oregon Coast Veterans.

Man arraigned on theft charges

Benjamin James Koch, 25, was arraigned Tuesday in Clatsop County Circuit Court on 20 theft-related charges.

The charges, allegedly occurring between August and September, included one count of aggravated theft in the first degree, two counts of aggravated identity theft, seven counts of identity theft, five counts of theft in the first degree, three counts of forgery in the second degree and two counts of theft in the second degree.

Seven individuals were named as victims in an indictment from January, many of whom were older than 65 years of age. The total amount stolen was $10,000 or more, the grand jury indictment alleges.

Koch pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce awarded grant

The Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Travel Oregon to add technical expertise.

The grant, through the agency’s capacity and small grant project, will allow the chamber to hire a full-time marketing manager.

— The Astorian