Neighbors double down against apartment complex in Astoria

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, June 7, 2023

A new mock-up of the Owens-Adair expansion. Astoria’s Historic Landmarks Commission had concerns about the style of a previous design.

Neighbors who live near a proposed four-story, 50-unit apartment complex for low-income seniors and people with disabilities have doubled down on concerns as the city works to complete a final review of the project.

The Owens II, a new project by the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority, would mirror the Owens-Adair, the agency’s affordable housing complex on 15th and Exchange streets near downtown.

Design plans for the building were approved by the Astoria Historic Landmarks Commission in a 6-1 vote in January. The commission, after requesting a revision, determined the design was compatible with adjacent historic buildings and suitable for the location.

The owners of two properties across the street from the Owens-Adair — Brian and Margarita Colonna and Bob and Cindy Magie — appealed the decision to the City Council. Their appeal was narrowly rejected in April in a 3-2 vote.

Development of the apartment complex is permitted outright under city code, and applications for building and engineering permits are under review.

During a City Council meeting on Monday night, and separately through their attorney in a letter in late May, the Colonnas and Magies reiterated their concerns about the effect construction of a subgrade parking garage for the apartment complex could have on the foundation of their properties, among other issues.

They were also critical of the city’s process and said the city would not accept independent engineering reports and landslide area maps.

“Our structures are in danger here,” said Brian Colonna, who owns the historic Capt. John Merriam residence. “Why wouldn’t the city want all relative information to make an informed decision? Why? Every step of the way, we’ve been turned away.

“That’s negligence not doing it.”

City Manager Scott Spence told The Astorian that while the city is aware of the concerns, the city needs to follow state and city building and development codes when determining whether to grant permits.

The Colonnas and Magies attended Monday’s City Council meeting with other residents who echoed their concerns.

Ed Joyce, a geologist and resident who lives on Lexington Avenue, urged caution with the planned construction given the city’s history with landslides and pointed to previous landslides related to development near Safeway in Uppertown.

“Like I said, this is serious stuff,” he said. “Let’s do it right this time and not make the same mistake as we did with Safeway.”

Kim Supple, who lives on Grand Avenue, said she was adamantly opposed to the project, citing landslide risk and the building design.

“The neighborhood that this project is proposed is the crown jewel of our town, with many historic, fragile foundations,” she said.

Supple argued that parking and traffic are already issues in the neighborhood, and will worsen with the construction of the apartment complex.

“I’m still upset with the (Historic Landmarks Commission),” she said. “I’m disappointed. I fail to see how building an ugly, modern, 50-unit concrete-sided building in our beautiful, historic city is a good thing. This property should not even be considered on this property designed the way it is.

“This is not fair to the neighbors in this neighborhood who have lovingly restored their homes within the (Historic Landmarks Commission) guidelines only to have to look at this project,” Supple continued. “This is too big of a project for such a small space and too disruptive and dangerous for those living in one of the most historic areas in Astoria.”

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