Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

In Coos Bay, urban renewal and community-centric planning take center stage. Mayor Benetti sheds light on the city’s approach to revitalizing its various neighborhoods, each with unique character and potential. “Our goal is to enhance the downtown experience while respecting the distinctiveness of each area,” he explains. The city’s multifaceted plan focuses on areas like the Empire District, the traditional downtown, and Front Street, each earmarked for specific developments. Mayor Benetti highlights the specifics of these plans. “We’re actively working on making our downtown more vibrant. Over the past six years, we’ve invested 1.4 million dollars in improvement grants,” he states. This strategic financial commitment is beginning to bear fruit, particularly on Front Street, where a recent allocation of $500,000 marks the start of an exciting new phase.“This initiative complements the private development that’s been taking place, with an investment of around 3 million dollars in the last couple of years,” he adds. The city’s efforts go beyond mere beautification. Front Street, as Mayor Benetti points out, is integral to Coos Bay’s working waterfront, home to long standing businesses like Sause Bros., Inc. a tugboat operation with an 80-year history in ocean towing and shipbuilding. The Empire district, leading out to the ocean beaches and the Charleston fishing village, is also transforming.“We’re in the process of crafting a blueprint plan for Empire. It’s a vital link to our fishing industry and a gateway to our stunning beaches,” he remarks. ADDRESSING THE HOUSING CHALLENGE IN COOS BAY The conversation shifts to a critical issue facing many American cities: the housing shortage. Mayor Benetti acknowledges this as a pressing concern in Coos Bay, highlighting the city’s proactive steps to address it. “Housing is indeed one of our top priorities,” he affirms. Collaborative efforts with the state Department of Land Conservation and Development have led to significant developments, including a project near the local hospital. This initiative, supported by a grant, promises to deliver around 200 units on a 16-acre site. 24 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02