Council member asks planners to spell out protections for city‑owned river shore

Council member Torrey asked the commission whether the draft comprehensive plan adequately addresses protection and future economic use of city‑owned river shore property. "What are we doing around the river shore? And how are we protecting it?" Torrey asked, saying he had heard repeated concerns from citizens while canvassing.

Staff and the consultant responded that the natural environment element includes a short section on the river shore and that additional protections will come through a critical areas ordinance and shoreline management planning tied to state and federal processes. Torrey urged clearer public communication: "the default position is to protect it," he said, and commissioners agreed that any development of city‑owned shoreline would require substantial public involvement and legislative action.