Members of the Bingen Merchants Association got together for an informal discussion last week regarding proposed changes to downtown Bingen.
Approximately 20 business owners met at the Elkhorn restaurant in White Salmon on the evening of April 4 to air concerns about how the planned State Route 14 repaving project though Bingen and proposals for downtown revitalization might impact local businesses.
Key concerns raised by the merchants include:
Loss of on-street parking in front of businesses;
Costs to businesses for relocating utility wires underground;
Lack of notification from City Hall regarding how plans would specifically affect individual businesses;
The city's lack of funds for long-range revitalization projects;
Eventual loss of Guler Oil's card-lock station on Depot Street;
Inability of owners to plan because of uncertainty over future of Depot Street;
Changing plans make it difficult for merchants to know exactly what the end result will be.
According to Mike Zitur, owner of the Gorge House restaurant in Bingen, at least four business owners have indicated they will relocate if current plans for downtown changes are carried forward.
At the end of the meeting, members of the group agreed to attend the next meeting of the Bingen City Council -- scheduled for April 16 at 7 p.m. -- to discuss all of these issues directly with Mayor Brian Prigel and members of the City Council.
"The big emphasis is the loss of parking," Zitur stressed. "That's what affects us the most. And what they plan for Depot Street. Those should be our two main topics."
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented