Scappoose planning staff previews hotel project, Maple Street townhomes and seeks commissioner volunteer for ODOT community paths grant

Planning staff (NJ) used the commission's calendar check to report several active and upcoming projects and to outline next steps for items commissioners will see in coming weeks.

Staff said the city received a submittal and payment for a proposed hotel project the prior day; the application is in an initial completeness review period of up to 30 days, after which staff will prepare a detailed completeness comment list. "So that is now underway and the clock is ticking," NJ said. Staff also reminded commissioners of a scheduled joint work session on the city’s 50‑year plan and previewed a Scappoose Hospitality Group market‑study presentation that will examine development options for about 51 net buildable acres owned by a private landowner.

Other updates included the Maple Street townhome 14‑lot subdivision scheduled for review, and ongoing building permit reviews for the Dutch Canyon 4 subdivision, where staff said roughly three homes per month are being permitted. Staff characterized the planning workload as steady and noted the hotel submittal and several land‑use items will come forward for future planning commission consideration.

Staff member Laurie described an ODOT 'Community Paths' grant that will deliver 30% plans for a preferred trail route between Scappoose and St. Helens and asked for one planning commissioner to serve on the project's advisory committee. Laurie said the committee work is expected to span about 18 months and include approximately four two‑hour meetings plus review time; Commissioner Scott Jensen volunteered during the meeting.

These items were presented as updates; no formal actions on these projects were taken by the planning commission at this meeting. Staff said the annexation and zone change recommended tonight will be forwarded to the City Council for ordinance readings in January.