Hood River City Council Navigates the Future of Murals; Votes Not to Pass Ceasefire Resolution
By Cole Goodwin
Hood River, Ore., April 2, 2024 —Hood River City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 25th to discuss two hot-button issues: a proposed original art mural ordinance and a ceasefire resolution concerning the conflict in Gaza.
Mural Ordinance Update
Councilors continued its debate of ordinance 2080 which would regulate mural projects within the City on Monday. The discussion culminated with Council directing staff to craft language for the mural ordinance which would allow murals in Historic Districts of Hood River with some limitations.
The benefits of murals can include making areas more beautiful and visually interesting, celebrations of cultural heritage and art, deterring vandalism, and economic development from increased foot traffic. However, Mayor Blackburn pointed out that he, like others, also has concerns about ending up with subpar murals and the need for regulation.
Ordinance 2080, which is currently still in the process of being drafted, has been a point of contention for the Council and stakeholders. Discussion of the ordinance has been ongoing since November of 2023.
The discussion was originally prompted by public interest in murals.
“After receiving interest from several community entities to allow murals on buildings, the City began exploring regulations for murals in the City of Hood River,” reads a staff memo.
Key concerns from stakeholders revolve around protecting historic sites and buildings and the benefits of enhancing community vibrancy with public art.
The ordinance which is currently being drafted will:
Prohibit murals with frontage on Oak Street or within 75 feet from the center line and in residential areas.
Place limitations on murals on historic landmarks or designated contributing structures within historic districts.
Create a permitting process and regulations related to the content, height, and buffer zone from historic districts.
Ceasefire Resolution
City Council voted not to pass a ceasefire resolution after hearing public comments in favor of and against passing a Gaza Ceasefire Resolution.
Instead of a resolution, the Council voted to draft a statement condemning antisemitism and Islamaphobia that calls for the release of hostages being held by Hamas.
Mayor Paul Blackburn, Councilors Megan Saunders, and Grant Polson opposed the resolution. Councilors Gladys Rivera, Doug Stepina, and Mark Zanmiller advocated for the resolution. Councilor Tim Counihan could not attend the meeting due to illness but asked Rivera to read a statement in support of the resolution at the meeting.
The news came as a blow to Interfaith groups that have been meeting weekly across from Hood River City Hall to protest the conflict in Gaza.
Others felt that Councilors made the right decision saying that City Government should not set a precedent of being involved in foreign affairs.
To watch the meeting click here.
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