The significance of the decisions will have long-lasting effects on the direction of development in The Dalles while also providing intense capital to ensure safe drinking water for the next 75 years. 

Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Board moves forward on requests from potential developers who would also have to provide information on financing. The Neon Sign Museum, which has proposed using the site for the Jantzen Beach Carousel, will be required to enter the competitive process if it wants to be considered for the site.

“This multi-million-dollar transformative project will not only help address the urgent need for family-wage-level housing but also contribute significantly to the local economy,” said Joshua Chandler, Urban Renewal Agency manager.

A new grant program for reutilizing older buildings in The Dalles downtown has property owners making upgrades as Urban Renewal looks to breath new life into the commercial district. Also updates on the Recreation Building, Blue Building, Tony’s Town & Country and First Street upgrades.

New Urban Renewal grants intend to kickstart the economy, redevelop buildings and add jobs to the central business core in The Dalles. Grants range from $10,000 to $700,000 depending on the project. Property owners are required to match from 30 to 50 percent. “There some real energy coming to downtown and it’s really exciting,” said Renewal Chair Darcy Long.

TD Urban Renewal Agency Board is moving forwards with plans to demolish the Tony’s Town and Country building, and the Recreation building will get another year to finish construction. The board also discussed financial incentive programs, affordable housing, and elected new officers.

Urban Renewal is bent on creating nice spaces downtown The Dalles in an effort to rev up the local economy through increased tourism and trade. But do they need to teardown Tony’s Town and Country at 401 E. 2nd St. to get it done? Read more here.