TD Town Hall Results: 118 participate; schools, parks, trails, housing get focus

By Tom Peterson 

Improved schools, more trails and paths, a dog park, a sports complex, second-story apartments and upgraded commercial space downtown are just a few of the ideas that sprang forward as 118 people contributed to a virtual town hall for The City of The Dalles on Wednesday night, March 9.

Mayor Rich Mays said he was impressed with the turnout and thanked citizens for contributing to the discussion of the 2040 Vision. 

“I am sick and tired of hearing about The Dalles’ potential,” he said, noting he had been hearing about it since moving to town seven years ago. “Let’s make it a reality.”

The comment comes as the City is gathering information to develop a vision for what needs to be achieved in the next 18 years to build a better, stronger community.

The question is also paramount as the City and Wasco County are at the doorstep of millions of dollars in funding as Google data plants come on to tax rolls and the promise of two new data plants could fill local coffers, a good portion of the money, up to $125 million, without earmarks.

So, how should this money be spent in years to come? What investments bring the greatest returns? 

Buildings, parks, people?

The question solicited many answers as the participants on Wednesday were broken down into groups and held discussions on different topics.

After 20-minute brainstorms, comments were condensed into 5-minute summations, which are broken down into groups below: They are not complete as time would not allow for it. To watch the virtual town hall, click here.  

Recreation

Priorities included restoring Sorosis Park, improving paths, trails, river access and establishing a dog park. Locals said they wanted an upgraded running track and refurbished play structure at Sorosis, complete with signage that was in English and Spanish.

It was also requested that historical markers and other areas of interpretation be signed in Spanish as well.

Participants requested a park on the far west side of The Dalles for children. It was also requested that Taylor Lake be cleaned up with an improved area to recreate that included bathrooms. 

A dedicated dog park with fencing and river access, a dog-wash station, a dog agility course and restrooms were also suggested.

Trails, river access and paths would create equity, Alice Cannon reported from her group, noting they were accessible to all throughout the community. The City Planning Director said her group suggested additional opportunities for gravel bike riding as well as creating a city vision around tree plantings, where the natural environment would be a large part of the focus. She also said participants wanted a master plan for trails, paths and river access.   

Education

The Education Group suggested improving schools via partnerships with Columbia Gorge Community College, improving mentorship programs, internships and creating entrepreneurial opportunities through partnerships with local businesses. The group pushed programs that would strengthen the ties between students and the community that could embolden the downtown corridor and help stimulate small businesses. Groups also suggested supporting school bonds to build new schools by leveraging Google funds to reduce the overall cost to taxpayers. 

Image Coutesy Sarah Anderson

Economy

Participants suggested retaining local workers such as those in the service industry through improving the housing market, which many can not currently afford. It is difficult to be part of The Dalles community when people are struggling to live here or have to live elsewhere because of housing prices, participants said.  Joshua Chandler reported that his group suggested revitalizing the downtown core with apartments on the second floor to create a downtown neighborhood. 

Nate Stice said his group also had a focus on the entire spectrum of housing, ranging from the houseless to those working but unable to afford a mortgage. He said his group suggested removing the financial barrier of thousands of dollars in City service development fees and charges to spur the creation of more housing. The group also suggested greater access to affordable child care to better assist those working at the lower end of the wage scale. 

Culture

Kaitlyn Cook reported that her group suggested the City embrace and celebrate the diversity of the community in The Dalles in parks, plazas and community spaces.  People suggested additional art walks, movie nights, and music in the parks. It was also suggested that more networking or inter-organizational awareness be created between groups in the community to create stronger relationships. 

Governance and Infrastructure 

David Anderson reported that his group wanted an effective transit system, safe streets and sidewalks and improved broadband for the fringes of the network. 

He said his group also suggested paid parking, street maintenance fees and a system of coordinated and dedicated grant writing to support infrastructure projects through state, federal and private funding. 

His group also talked about the hospital and the need to retain medical professionals in the community. The group also discussed the need for a sports complex in the event a new hospital is built at Kramer field.

More Chances to Contribute

Many more ideas were captured at this meeting than were captured in this story as time did not allow for fuller summations.

However, all the ideas were captured and will be presented to City Council, according to organizer Aubrie Koenig  

And there are more opportunities to give input in the near future.

Cannon said a second community survey with the suggestions from this meeting will go live from  March 17 to March 31 where all are welcome to participate. CCCNews will provide links.

Results of that survey as well as this town hall will be put submitted to The Dalles City Council Work Session set for April 11. 

And a final 2040 vision is expected to be adopted at the Council’s May 9 meeting.