Lincoln City Mayor Susan Wahlke looked to the past to illustrate how the city is moving forward into the future.
In her State of the City address April 23, Wahlke outlined the progress the city has made in developing new affordable housing through the city’s planning and development department. She highlighted Innovative Housing Inc., 107 affordable housing units across Highway 101 from Oceanlake Fire Station; and Wecoma Place, 44 affordable units by Lincoln County Housing Authority at Northeast 29th and Highway 101.
“These two new projects can provide affordable housing for our local workforce years into the future,” she said. “This is an exciting time for our city.”
According to Wahlke, the Housing Authority of Lincoln County has submitted a new application for phase one of a three-phase affordable housing project, with phase one including 28 additional affordable units at Lighthouse Square. The project will later include more housing and a clinic.
She added that 18 market rate units are planned for the Sam Apartments on West Devils Lake Road; 21 units at Camy Court Tiny Houses off Bard Road; and 12 market rate unit, (eight attached single and four detached units).
A booster pump station is planned to ensure water availability and adequate water access to serve housing in the Spring Lake area, thanks to a $3 million request from State Rep. David Gomberg, Wahlke said.
Other development include, the 37,000-square-foot Waves Market at Lighthouse Square; the Copeland Lumber 6,000-square-foot facility with a 13,000-square-foot warehouse at the site of a former theater parking lot at Highway 101 and High School Drive; and a potential Lincoln County seasonal shelter and small warehouse on Northeast 14th Street.
Wahlke gave an update on the parks and recreation department’s new Schooner Creek Discovery Park in the Taft area, stating that site work, building of an accessible playground, and construction of a small trail in the open space next to Schooner Creek is planned for this year.
The mayor also highlighted the contribution by Christmas Cottage owner Barbe Jenkins-Gibson of musical instruments for the Lincoln City Cultural Center’s outdoor enhancements and outlined improvements at the Lincoln City Community Center, including new tiles in the large meeting room, carpet replacement in the lobby, lighting at the west wing parking lot, and replacement of the pool sound system.
The city’s public works department is working with the city council to develop a Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Study; launching another study of mid-block crosswalks in Oceanlake; and a connector roadway from Northeast 22nd to Northeast 47th is in the planning stages.
Wahlke highlighted accomplishments at the Lincoln City Police Department, including hiring two new officers, and the LCPD is testing a new feature, allowing anyone to report minor crimes and suspicious circumstances. A link to the project has been created on the city website.
Wahlke also outlined how the city is partnering with local nonprofit agencies, stating that the 2023-24 city budget included $300,000 for grants to nonprofit agencies that serve the Lincoln City Community. Grants totaling $247,480 were presented Dec. 22 to local nonprofits.
“Grant applications were recently accepted for the 2024-25 budget. Budget hearings will be held this month,” she said. “After money has been allocated, the council will determine how those funds are distributed.”
Following her presentation, Wahlke responded to the Lincoln County Leader’s questions.
Lincoln County Leader: From your vantage point, summarize the state of the city.
Mayor Susan Wahlke: I feel that the city is doing well. Some say it looks like Lincoln City is growing up — we definitely are growing.
Lincoln County Leader: What are significant steps the city has taken over the past year to maintain the livability of the community and help it move ahead?
Mayor Wahlke: We have created positions in the police department for a Community Services Officer and a narcotics detective. We have helped the Helping Hands organization open their facility here and helped 107 units of income restricted units become available before the end of the year. Lincoln County has also provided-income-restricted housing in Lincoln City and is providing more services here in north Lincoln County.
Lincoln County Leader: What challenges are ahead for Lincoln City, and how are you and the council working to overcome those challenges?
Mayor Wahlke: We need to find new revenue sources.
Lincoln County Leader: What is the importance to the city of selecting a new city attorney and a new city planning/development director, and how close is the council to making those selections?
Mayor Wahlke: Council is working on hiring a full-time city attorney. The city manager is working on hiring a new planning director.
Lincoln County Leader: What other priorities have you set for the city in 2024, and why are those priorities important?
Mayor Wahlke: The priorities we set a year ago are still in place: emergency management preparedness, financial health, economic development, housing, infrastructure, and environment. The biggest project in progress at this point is the new community park in the Taft area, Schooner Creek Discovery Park.
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