Planning Commission postpones decision on Farrell House permit

After 3 1/2 hours of public testimony and Camas Planning Commission deliberation, a decision about whether to approve an application for an unclassified use permit from the owner of the historic Farrell House was held over until Tuesday.

Planning Commissioners Troy Hull, Judy Hooper, David Shepherd and Bryan Beel voted to carry the meeting over to Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m., at City Hall, 616 N.E. Fourth Ave.

“It’s late, and I think we need more time to deliberate, read letters,” said Chairman Shepherd, just prior to the meeting at the Camas Public Library being adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Following the testimony of dozens of people, both for and against the project, the Public Hearing portion of the process closed on Thursday. No additional public testimony or evidence will be accepted at Tuesday’s special meeting.

Planning Commissioners Shelly Damore, Travis Monteith and Tim Hein were absent from Thursday’s meeting, which according to Community Development Director Phil Bourquin will preclude them from being able to participate in any deliberations, or take a vote on the issue on Aug. 2.

The owner of the Farrell House, Heidi Curley, submitted an application to the city for an unclassified use permit in April with the intention of making the 1915-built home the site of tea parties, weddings, anniversary celebrations, and other special events. It would also be the primary residence of Curley and her three daughters.

Curley’s proposed plan calls for the property and house at 416 N.E. Ione St., to offer catered events with attendance numbers ranging from 10 to up to 100 people.

According to the application, special temporary features that could be required during events held on the property include a tent, altar, rest room trailer, and other landscape features or equipment.

On Aug. 2, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council, the body that will make the final closed-record decision on the issue.

Look for additional details about Thursday’s public hearing in the Aug. 2 print edition of the Post-Record.