New Vision for Downtown North Bend Property Gains Community Support
A new vision for the redevelopment of the vacant property at 302 W North Bend Way is gaining traction in North Bend, following a significant community engagement effort. The site, which has a history as a gas station and convenience store, is crucially positioned at a downtown corner but has been left empty, potentially due to past environmental contamination. To gauge community sentiment, the City of North Bend conducted a survey from July 19 to August 9, 2024, receiving a remarkable 746 responses from residents eager to share their ideas. Among the suggestions, residents expressed a desire for the inclusion of a food bank, affordable housing options, and public amenities, while also emphasizing the need for designs that reflect the town’s mountain character. Mayor Miller praised the engaged citizens for helping shape a shared vision, stating that this property has the potential to serve the community in new ways.
The survey results will play a vital role in guiding redevelopment efforts, ensuring the property becomes a valuable community asset. Next steps involve working with the Washington State Department of Ecology to assess the site's cleanup requirements. For more information about the redevelopment plans, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s redevelopment page.