The Urban Renewal Agency has given direction to move the Heights Streetscape Plan to Phase 3 by selecting Design 3 as the preferred alternative. Broad community input was received on three alternatives for 12th and 13th streets in the Heights regarding traffic, transit, bicycle and pedestrian safety, walkability, and the area’s local businesses. Design 3 has been heavily supported by community members, partner agencies and others. Over 300 attended a community open house on the project in April, and 300 completed online surveys were received. In Phase 3, work will continue on refinement of the recommended alternative.
At the August 8 Urban Renewal Agency meeting, City Councilor Mark Zanmiller encouraged community members to continue to be involved. “There will be many more opportunities for public input as we work to refine the design, including cross streets, left turns, parking and more,” Zanmiller said. “We need the area to flow and we need parking. We have a lot of work to come.”
“We heard from residents and businesses about thoughts on the future of the Heights,” said Dustin Nilsen, City of Hood River’s director of planning and zoning and project manager for the streetscape plan. “The input received has informed this Heights improvements recommendation which is key to ensuring the project reflects the vision of the community. We’ll continue to work through a plan that can support businesses and economic opportunities, embrace the historical and cultural identity of the Heights, and enhance the livability of the entire Hood River community.”
Visit this project webpage for more details on the project.
This project is funded through the Heights Urban Renewal District created by the City in 2011 to focus on improvements in the Heights, including those that address streetscape modifications to improve safety for bicycles and pedestrians along 12th and 13th Streets, which also serve as State Highway 281.
