By Jerry Keene, Editor, The Oceansider
As reported in T
he Oceansider several weeks ago, the Tillamook County Department of Community Development and County Commissioners will soon be considering changes to two ordinances that are critical to Oceanside’s livability. The first will entail adjustments to the cap on county-imposed short term rental licenses applicable to Oceanside. (We are currently near or at the current cap of 130 STRs.) The second will involve amendments to Oceanside’s residential zoning ordinance in anticipation of a new state law that compels routine approval of applications for permits to build multi-unit housing (up to a quadruplex) in residential zones that are otherwise limited to single-family dwellings. (All of Oceanside’s residential areas will potentially be affected by this.) As the community’s official representative on land-use and development issues, the Oceanside Neighborhood Association (ONA) has been invited to provide the county with input on these changes. This week, ONA President Sharon Brown issued an ONA Call for Committee Volunteers to be considered for participation on two committees that she will appoint for this purpose.
he Oceansider several weeks ago, the Tillamook County Department of Community Development and County Commissioners will soon be considering changes to two ordinances that are critical to Oceanside’s livability. The first will entail adjustments to the cap on county-imposed short term rental licenses applicable to Oceanside. (We are currently near or at the current cap of 130 STRs.) The second will involve amendments to Oceanside’s residential zoning ordinance in anticipation of a new state law that compels routine approval of applications for permits to build multi-unit housing (up to a quadruplex) in residential zones that are otherwise limited to single-family dwellings. (All of Oceanside’s residential areas will potentially be affected by this.) As the community’s official representative on land-use and development issues, the Oceanside Neighborhood Association (ONA) has been invited to provide the county with input on these changes. This week, ONA President Sharon Brown issued an ONA Call for Committee Volunteers to be considered for participation on two committees that she will appoint for this purpose.
County Corrects Information on ODOT Maintenance Cuts
At the ONA Meeting several weeks ago, county Public Works Director Chris Laity cautioned Oceansiders that the Oregon Department of Transportation had issued an alert (ODOT Fact Sheet for Region 2 (including Oceanside)) warning that decreased gas tax revenues and inflation would force it to cut back on regular maintenance (paving and painting) on “low volume” highways this year, including on Highway 131 between Tillamook and Oceanside. Upon further questioning by The Oceansider, Laity now advises that ODOT decided not to designate Highway 131 as a “low maintenance” highway and will continue regular maintenance. Significantly, however, ODOT has not retreated from its warning of reduced winter safety measures (sanding and spraying) on both Highway 131 and Highway 6 from Tillamook to Portland.
Holiday Giving
After last week’s article urging Oceansiders to include the Oceanside Protection Society 501(c)(3) community foundation in their holiday giving, one local resident admonished that The Oceansider should not be so provincial and give equal time to county organizations serving the needy. While being “provincial” is actually our mission here at The Oceansider, we wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment. For those seeking a broader range of worthy causes in this gift-giving season, here is a link to the Tillamook Pioneer’s Giving Guide for 2023-2024. It contains information on a number of county charitable causes and nonprofit organizations seeking assistance.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
January 8 Oceanside Community Club Monthly Potluck
Oceanside Community Hall 6 p.m.
Bring main dishes, side dishes or desserts
Guest speakers: Aline Turpen & Pam Strachan
Discussion of meal programs in Tillamook
Oceanside Community Hall 6 p.m.
Bring main dishes, side dishes or desserts
Guest speakers: Aline Turpen & Pam Strachan
Discussion of meal programs in Tillamook
February 3 ONA Regular Meeting 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Oceanside Community Hall and remotely
ONA will provide Zoom link and phone info by email
And that’s the view from Oceanside!
www.oceansidernews.com
jerrykeene@oceansidernews.com