Astoria needs more housing. This is a fact demonstrated by repeated studies and surveys, and reinforced by comments from elected officials, the business community and city residents.

Yet Brian and Margarita Collona, two Vancouver, Washington based property investors, are on a crusade to halt the construction of Owens Adair II, a 50-unit apartment building for low-income seniors and Astorians with permanent disabilities currently under construction across the street from their rental property.

Through their relentless obstruction, the Collonas waste taxpayer money by forcing the city to respond to their dubious claims in court. The Astoria Housing Alliance has also learned that funds set aside by the developer to purchase a van for transporting elderly and disabled residents will, instead, be spent on legal fees to defend a case that is likely to be thrown out.

Every step of the way, Mr. and Mrs. Collona have attempted to thwart this project. They say they are not opposed to building housing, yet they have spent the last two years inventing one reason after another to block its construction.

They have cited every reason under the sun, from the building’s appearance to complaints about underground parking that doesn’t even exist. In fact, just this past week, they filed a second court challenge, claiming — among other things — that constructing these homes will somehow impact their ability to cross the street.

Once again, taxpayer resources better spent on housing Astorians will be wasted responding to another frivolous court challenge. It’s time for the Colonnas to end this shameful crusade.

ANDY KIPP
President, Astoria Housing Alliance