Monday's city council meeting.

The City of Brookings took a major step toward building a new Downtown “pocket park,” measuring approximately 40 feet by 32 feet, this week.

On Monday, the Brookings City Council unanimously approved a long-term agreement with Pacific Coast Properties LLC owner Mike Horgan to lease the vacant lot at 623 Chetco Ave., located between the Redwood Theater and the building containing the Compass Rose Cafe, Misty Mountain Brewing and the Black Trumpet Bistro.

The location of the proposed "pocket park." | Plans provided by the City of Brookings

Brookings Public Works Director Anthony Baron said the current vision for the open-air pocket park, which was first developed in 2009 and finalized by the Brookings Urban Renewal Agency last year, is for an open space where people can sit and enjoy food from the nearby eateries.

“In 2009, there really wasn’t much going on Downtown,” Baron said. “A lot of businesses shuttered. So the idea was to try and develop something to get people back there. Well, [the properties are] full now. It’s busy. There are a lot of restaurants and evening events [in Downtown]. There’s the theater next door, so this will be a great amenity for that area of town.”

A look at the proposed park.

It’s unclear when the project will be completed. However, with the lease agreement finalized, the city can now begin to clean up the area and start the bidding process for construction.

“It’s a great [space] for people to use, and I think it’s a benefit for all the businesses,” Brookings City Councilman Brad Alcorn said.

Under the agreement, the property will be leased annually for $1. The city will also have the option to purchase the property for the appraised value of the land if it chooses to do so.

###

Related News: Brookings’ Redwood Cinema Sells for $475,000; New Owner Hopes to Expand Food, Entertainment Offerings

SHARE →