Astoria Residents Voice Concerns at Town Hall Meeting

On January 11, 2024, approximately 30 residents from Astoria’s Wards 3 and 4 gathered at Alderbrook Lodge to engage directly with city councilors Elisabeth Adams and Joshua Conklin. The town hall meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, enabled community members to express their concerns on various issues, including public safety and city governance.

Councilor Conklin, who recently took office representing Ward 4, which encompasses Uppertown and eastern Astoria, joined Adams, who is in the final year of her four-year term representing downtown Astoria. Although the meeting aimed to discuss the city’s five-year work plan, the conversation quickly shifted to pressing neighborhood matters.

Concerns Over Permitting Delays

One of the most frequently voiced issues was the delay in city permitting processes. Floyd Holcom, owner of Pier 39, highlighted his frustration regarding a liquor license application that has been pending for weeks. “If the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission can give me a permit in 24 hours, why do I have to wait until February to get a permit from the city?” Holcom questioned.

In response, Adams acknowledged the ongoing challenges with the permitting process, stating that the city is currently reviewing local codes and ordinances to expedite approvals.

Issues with ICE Presence

Another significant topic of discussion was the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Astoria. Residents voiced their concerns regarding increased federal activity amid heightened national scrutiny of immigration enforcement. Over the past weeks, ICE has conducted detainments across Oregon, leading some local governments to declare states of emergency and establish rapid-response networks to support immigrant residents.

Stacy Kelly, Astoria’s Chief of Police, addressed the community’s fears, noting the limitations faced by local authorities. “There’s no way we can keep them out of the community,” Kelly explained. “The Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police have tried talking to them, but they’re not listening.”

Adams announced plans to hold another town hall meeting with Councilor Andy Davis later this year, signaling ongoing engagement with residents on these critical issues. The discussions at Alderbrook Lodge reflect a community eager to address local governance challenges and advocate for transparency and safety.