City of Hood River

Providing Public Safety, Utilities, and Community Development

    ::    City seeks input on 780 Rand Road development strategy

City Connect Spring 2021

780 Rand Road development
One development alternative incorporates a nearby parcel owned by Hood River County.

City seeks input on 780 Rand Road development strategy

In early 2020, the City of Hood River purchased a seven-acre parcel at 780 Rand Road to develop affordable housing to help meet Hood River’s needs. The City then contracted with Leland Consulting Group to prepare a housing development strategy for the site. Four development alternatives are now available for review and comment.

The City is surveying community members to ask if anything is missing from project goals and staff recommendations. Please review development alternatives and respond to the survey before May 30, 2021. The survey is available online in English and Spanish, and in print at City Hall and at community gathering spots.

780 Rand Road Property looking North
The view from the middle of the 780 Rand Road Property looking North

Survey responses will help the City refine the housing development strategy. Next steps include preparation of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and/or a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit a project developer. This is expected during the summer/fall of 2021. The developer likely will prepare a different design for the site but it will need to be consistent with City’s goals and reflect qualities of the development strategy. The project developer is expected to be responsible for financing, infrastructure, design, build and operation of the new housing development. Construction is not expected before summer of 2022.

The following project goals were identified by City Council.

  • Primary goal is to provide rental housing at 80% Area Median Income (AMI) and below (approximately $67,000 annual household income).
  • If possible, a mix of incomes, with some housing at 80-120% AMI ($76,000 annual household income).
  • If possible, a mix of rental and owner-occupied housing.
  • A range of housing types (such as apartment, multi-family, townhouse, small single-family).
  • Design and quality are important.
  • Park and open space mixed with housing.
  • Wetlands, stormwater collection areas, and trees or natural features may be used to meet park/open space goals.
  • Bus stop and transit shelter for Columbia Area Transit.
  • Concerns about pedestrian safety on Rand Road; sidewalks needed on Rand Road.
  • Energy efficiency measures to reduce utility costs.
  • The development should be blend with surrounding neighborhoods.
  • More than just housing, it needs to be place where people take pride in living.

 

The project webpage will continue to be updated with project progress.

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