There’s no reason to have a trade and event center in town if you can’t access it.
The Hermiston City Council took some initial steps Monday night that will eventually create access to – and overflow parking for – the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC).
Following a public hearing, the council voted to amend the city’s Comprehensive Map by changing the zoning on a 20-acre piece of property adjacent to EOTEC. The land was originally designated a Future Mixed Commercial/Industrial zone, but after Monday’s hearing and vote, it is now strictly a commercial zone. The change also has to be adopted by Umatilla County, after which the city will annex the property so it can be used to access EOTEC and also serve as overflow parking for the center.
“There’s not a lot of use for the property other than overflow parking and access,” said Hermiston City Planner Clint Spencer.
“And it would be nice to get onto the site,” added Hermiston City Manager Ed Brookshier.
