Standing up for coastal communities
last updated January 22, 2025
Latest challenge filed! In January, Crag filed a LUBA appeal in support of coastal communities and Oregon Shores to stop the completion of a 30-unit housing subdivision that threatens coastal wildlife habitat. Photo of Crag staff in front of Haystack Rock by Suzanne Savell.
Appeal filed to challenge Rockaway Beach development in sensitive wetlands
On behalf of our client Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, we are appealing plans to construct a housing subdivision in sensitive wetlands to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
Since May 2024, Crag has been working with Oregon Shores and concerned neighbors in the City of Rockaway Beach to prevent the completion of a 30-unit housing subdivision proposed in a protected wetland! Last summer, Crag helped Oregon Shores challenge the Rockaway Beach Planning Commission’s approval of the permit. In November, Crag attorneys joined neighbors at a Rockaway Beach City Council meeting to argue that the development would violate state land use laws and the city’s own zoning ordinances. Despite Oregon Shores and a large number of community members expressing their concerns with the project, the City Council voted to allow the development to move forward. Now, Crag and Oregon Shores have filed an appeal of the City Council’s decision with LUBA.
Nedonna Marsh, near the Nedonna Beach neighborhood that is threatened by development.
Neighbors and community members are concerned that the development would destroy wildlife habitat, increase flooding and drinking water pollution risks, and make the area less safe in a tsunami. As Oregon Shores shared,
“There is only one evacuation route from Nedonna Beach, already too limited for the existing population – [so] adding more people… would be highly unsafe.’’
Together, we can fight to protect our iconic coastal ecosystems for everyone! Photo courtesy of Oregon Shores.
Despite getting initial approval to develop the land in 2008 and completing the first 8 lots, construction of phase two of the project never began. Now, 16 years later, the developer has added 2 more houses to the plan and wants to resume construction without seeking re-approval of the development plan under current standards. Rockaway Beach’s zoning ordinances prohibit residential construction in the special wetland zone in which the development site is located, and require mitigation for development that abuts McMillan Creek, which runs through the property.
Crag attorneys Eric Wriston and Alexandria Dolezal before the Rockaway Beach City Council hearing on November 20, 2024.
Aerial view of houses in the City of Rockaway Beach. Photo by DLCD.
Crag attorney Alexandria Dolezal files the appeal to LUBA challenging the subdivision in Rockaway Beach. Jan 2, 2024.
Our Clients
We are proud to represent Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Oregon’s leading voice when it comes to protecting the beaches, headlands, landscapes, and ecosystems that make Oregon’s coast so spectacular and loved.
Looking ahead
As LUBA reviews our appeal, Crag will keep working with Oregon Shores to stand up for local communities and our precious coastal ecosystems!
Resources
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- Read Oregon Shores’ post about the Rockaway Beach Planning Commission’s decision here: https://oregonshores.org/news/oregon-shores-appeals-rockaway-beach-pud-decision/
- Read the Tillamook Herald’s coverage of the City Council hearing on Nov 30, 2024.