Input needed for port property

HOOD RIVER — Following replacement of the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge, land adjacent to the boat basin and Marina Green will someday have a whole new look as the port pursues redevelopment.

But just what should that look be?

That’s a question port commissioners and staff are posing to the public  after issuing a request for development concepts of two neighboring parcels, known as Marina East and Marina West, this past February. Concepts were due April 23. The parcels constitute about 2.6 acres immediately east of Marina Green, with two aging structures currently leased to Oregon’s Department of Motor Vehicles and an acupuncture clinic.

The port received a single response to its request for “creative, feasible” ideas to enhance the port’s financial sustainability, protect public access and provide year-round public benefit, among other goals. In its response, Hood River-based CMLK Development and GBD Architects suggested three concepts: a hotel; a public market and boardwalk event space; and hybrid of small hotel, public food hall, event space and “public wellness commons.”

This was not a formal procurement, and port commissioners made no decisions after reviewing the concepts at their June 16 meeting. Instead, they’re looking for additional guidance from the public.

Port staff created a dedicated webpage showing the development area, February’s “Request for Developer Interest (RFDI),” and other background documents. This includes a section for public comments and questions.

“The comment form is intended to gather public feedback, ideas, and questions regarding the Marina East and Marina West properties and the RFDI process,” said Megan Channell, the port’s director of capital development and planning. “Comments may address the concepts submitted through the RFDI, but the form is not limited to feedback on a specific proposal.”

To check out the Marina East / Marina West website, visit portofhoodriver.com/marina-east-and-west-request-for-developer-interest. The developer’s concept submitted in April starts on page 105 of the port’s June 16 meeting packet. There’s no comment deadline at present, since redevelopment will follow bridge replacement just to the east. That’s not scheduled to start until October 2027.

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