COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS PROVIDE INPUT ON EASTSIDE FEASIBILITY STUDY Earlier this week, community members gathered at Eastside Elementary School to begin an important conversation about the future of housing in Coos Bay. The City of Coos Bay, working in partnership with the International Port of Coos Bay, is exploring the feasibility of developing a 100-acre site in Eastside which might help address our city’s housing needs. As our community continues to grow and change, it is important that we look carefully at opportunities to create housing that supports local families, our workforce, and future residents who want to call Coos Bay home. The open house on Wednesday, March 11, was well attended and provided an opportunity for residents to learn more about the project and share their thoughts. Attendees were able to review background information about the property, see the work that has been completed so far, and ask questions about what the next steps might look like. I want to thank everyone who attended and took the time to share their questions, ideas, and feedback. Community input is an important part of this process, and we heard you. Conversations like this help us better understand the concerns, priorities, and perspectives of the people who live and work here. Housing remains one of the most significant challenges facing communities across Oregon, and Coos Bay is no exception. Exploring opportunities such as the Eastside site is one way we can better understand what options may be available to support future housing development in our area. If you were unable to attend the first meeting, or if you would like to continue the discussion, I encourage you to join us on March 25. This second open house is part of an ongoing community conversation and will include new information, including geotechnical findings, a summary of financial analysis, and potential site development alternatives. The more voices we hear, the better we can shape decisions that reflect the needs of our community. There will also be a presentation about the project to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay’s Board of Commissioners at their public meeting on March 19 at 11 a.m. at 125 Central Avenue, Suite 230. Thank you again to everyone who attended Wednesday’s open house and helped start this important conversation about housing and the future of our community. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post