A split 4-1 vote moves the downtown plaza forward, but not before councilors raised concerns about long-term maintenance, chemicals and nearly $1 million tied to the splash pad.

A $3.4 million downtown plaza, fee changes and updates to dog licensing rules highlight what could directly impact how residents use — and pay for — city services.

The Dalles Urban Renewal Agency advanced downtown redevelopment, moving the First Street project to bidding, designating the Tony’s site as a construction yard, and confirming new leadership as the Fermentation Hub project officially withdrew.

Big changes are coming to The Dalles. Join city officials Oct. 30 at City Hall to learn about the new Federal Street Plaza, First Street upgrades, and major sewer and stormwater improvements on West 10th Street.

Council voted to award a $619,212 professional services contract to Portland-based landscape architecture and urban design firm Walker Macy, LLC for planning and design of the long-anticipated Federal Street Plaza project.

The Dalles City Council could take the next steps in bringing the Federal Street Plaza to fruition in the downtown business district as leaders look to build pedestrian and tourism traffic and bolster the local economy.