Hearing about Hambleton Lumber site is set

A public hearing that could affect the future use of the former Hambleton Lumber site and the Parker’s Landing Historical Park will be held next week.

The hearing, in front of the Washougal Planning Commission, is set for Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m., in the council chambers at Washougal City Hall, 1701 “C” St.

The Port of Camas-Washougal has requested Parker’s Landing Park and Marina Park be rezoned from “highway commercial” to “institutional public.”

With the closure of the Hambleton Bros. Lumber Co. last year, the city of Washougal is seeking a comprehensive plan designation change from industrial to commercial and a rezone of the impacted property from heavy industrial to highway commercial.

According to the Washougal Municipal Code, acceptable uses under the highway commercial zoning designation include restaurants, gas stations, retail nurseries and garden supply stores, athletic clubs, sporting goods shops, bakeries, car washes and professional offices.

Port Director David Ripp has said he would eventually like some of the Hambleton land to include a waterfront trail system – linking Marina Park to Steamboat Landing and the levee.

Approximately 25 acres of land and a sawmill at 335 S. “A” St., owned by Hambleton Lumber Co. LLC, had been leased by Hambleton Bros. Lumber Co. A six-year lease expired in June, affecting more than 40 employees who lost their jobs.

For more information about the public hearing, call City Hall at 835-8501 or visit www.cityofwashougal.us.