Astoria, OR – A long-awaited low-income housing project in downtown Astoria is facing yet another delay after a legal challenge was filed in Clatsop County Circuit Court. The Owens II, a 50-unit apartment building designed to provide affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities, has been under construction at the intersection of 16th and Exchange streets. However, the project’s future is now in jeopardy due to a lawsuit filed by local residents Brian and Margarita Colonna.
The Colonnas are requesting that the court halt construction and review the city’s handling of the building permit issued to the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority (NOHA) in early December. The NOHA, which also owns and operates the neighboring Owens-Adair Apartments, has faced significant delays in the development of the Owens II. The project had been mired in two years of city reviews before construction was able to move forward.
The Colonnas’ legal challenge marks the latest setback for a project that has already encountered substantial hurdles. Despite efforts by city officials and NOHA to address community concerns, the development has been met with opposition from some local residents, who argue that the project could have unintended negative effects on the neighborhood.
The lawsuit brings into question whether the city followed proper procedures in issuing the building permit, a crucial step for the project to proceed. If successful, the Colonnas’ legal action could force the city to pause construction while the permit is reassessed, further delaying the much-needed housing.
For the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority, the Owens II project represents a critical addition to the region’s limited affordable housing stock. The development is intended to serve vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, who face increasing challenges in finding affordable housing options in the area.
As construction continues amidst the legal battle, it remains unclear how the court will rule or what impact the outcome will have on the project’s timeline. The city of Astoria and NOHA have not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit, but they are expected to respond in court in the coming weeks.
The legal challenge comes at a time when demand for affordable housing is rising in Clatsop County, with many community members stressing the importance of projects like the Owens II in addressing the growing need. Whether the Colonnas’ lawsuit will stop the project or merely delay its progress, it highlights the tensions between local development and community concerns in Astoria’s rapidly changing landscape.
