Pacific City
Neskowin Farmers’ Market set to return on Saturday, May 22................................2
SUNSatisfy Your Beachwood Bar & Grill tempts your taste buds
Free Pacific City shuttle service to begin on Friday, May 28................................. 6
5
Reach the Beach cancels ride to coast, will host loop rides in Washington Co........ 8
Vol. 15, No. 368 • May 7, 2021 • FREE!
Sweet Tooth
Pacific Coast Candy now hosts a retro-themed specialty sweets buying experience in Pacific City LUBA’s denial of appeal on Kingfisher Apartments paves way for development By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun
A
n April 26 Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals denial of an appeal for a proposed apartment development in Pacific City has paved the way for the construction of the Kingfisher Apartments, a 25-unit planned apartment complex just south of Pacific Avenue and west of the Beachy Bridge. The development, which is being spearheaded by Kevin and Katie Shluka of Coyote Gardens, has been in the works for more than two years after it successfully won both a conditional use request and variance for the proposal from Tillamook County. That decision, though, was challenged by local homeowners. “We were quite gratified by the decision, but we were also reasonably confident that that was going to be the result,” Kevin told the Sun. “We designed this project to fit with land use ordinance and the community needs. We thought we crossed our T’s and dotted our i’s, and, so we didn’t see much opportunity for LUBA to (deny the appeal).” With the appeal in the rear view mirror, Kevin says he is looking forward to getting the project started and hopes to break ground this summer.
confident would make this just not a comfortable place to live but an elegant place to live and a point of pride for our community,” he said. “With the price of lumber going up 200 percent in last year, we don’t know exactly what that’s going to mean for building. We do know we’re going to have to work a whole lot harder to source materials and find vendors who are willing to give us a good deal given the spirit of the project. We’re rolling up our sleeves, sharpening our pencils and crossing fingers.” All said, Kevin remains optimistic Image courtesy of Jones Architecture that the project will not just provide “We’re taking all the steps we need to break needed housing but will do it in a way that will be ground this summer,” he added. “We anticipate appealing to all. that it will be a 12-month build. If we’re able “It was unfortunate that we had to take to start construction this July or August, we this all the way to LUBA, but we’re looking anticipate we can start renting in July or August forward for the opportunity to prove to everyone of 2022.” in the community that this is a great project, Though no significant changes are planned for that it’s great for the community, great for the the development, Kevin said that with the drastic neighborhood, (and) that it will look good and increase in lumber prices over the last year, much function well,” he added. “It will provide homes attention will have to be paid to the budget. to the people who need them most here in South “There (were) a lot of nice details that County.” we designed for (the complex) we were
we are open!
ALL THREE COASTAL BREWPUBS ARE OPEN FOR SEATED DINING
Join us for lunch or dinner at one of our three coastal brewpubs - Pacific City, Tillamook, or Cannon Beach. All three locations are open with Seated Indoor Dining and Patio Seating, plus our popular Curbside and Takeout options. Fly over and enjoy favorite seasonal Raspberried at Sea Volume II on the patio or our new draft offering, Hang Ten Double Hazy India Pale Ale. Visit PelicanBrewing.com to stay up to date on all our current offerings, hours, and dining options. Cheers!
Tillamook County in COVID-19 moderate risk category for 2nd straight week
T
illamook County will remain in the “Moderate” category from May 7-13 in the state’s public health framework to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Kate Brown announced on May 4 updates to county risk levels under the state’s public health framework to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. With the statewide seven-day average increase for hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients dropping below 15 percent, Oregon no longer meets the statewide metrics for the Extreme Risk level. Effective Friday, May 7, 15 counties will return to High Risk. In total, 24 counties will be at High Risk, four at Moderate Risk — including Tillamook County, and eight at Lower Risk. “Let me be clear: across the state, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still high, and Oregon is not out of the woods yet. However, we have met the hospitalization metric established by our health experts for counties to return to High Risk. From the beginning, I have said that returning counties to the Extreme Risk level was about preserving hospital capacity and saving lives. With our statewide hospitalization rate stabilizing, our hospitals should have the capacity to continue treating patients with severe cases of COVID-19 and other serious medical conditions in the coming weeks. “Based on today’s numbers, I am keeping my commitment to Oregonians. Beginning Friday, all counties in Extreme Risk will return to High Risk. With Oregonians continuing to get vaccinated each week, my expectation is that we will not return to Extreme Risk again for the duration of this pandemic. “I know this will bring relief to many across the state. However, the lifting of Extreme Risk health and safety measures comes with great personal responsibility for us all. If Oregonians continue to keep up their guard, follow High Risk health and safety measures, and get vaccinated as fast as possible, we should see our COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates decline. I’d like to thank Oregonians for taking this surge seriously for the last several weeks. It’s because of you that our hospitals have not been overwhelmed. “Today, we also received the welcome news from the BidenHarris administration that they will be reallocating unused vaccines to the states that need them. Oregon will ask for the maximum allowed, which will help us to get shots in arms faster. Vaccinations are still our best path to protecting our loved ones, and staying on track to fully reopen our economy by the end of June.”