Code change prevents new truck stops in North Bend

Published 1:08 pm Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Public testimony at several hearings in North Bend in recent months has been almost entirely in favor of an action the North Bend City Council took April 19.

Following the comments of two opponents and a handful of residents in favor of the city’s planned code change to prohibit new truck stops in North Bend, the city council voted unanimously to make its interim (temporary) code change a permanent one.

Effective this week, North Bend Municipal Code 18.06.030 and 18.10.025 have been amended to prohibit a new commercial truck center/service area and any significant expansion of the Travel America truck center. The change will not affect the current operations at the site, commonly called Truck Town.

“Due to the potential adverse impacts generated by this particular land use, the city did not feel it was in the best interests of the city to expand the existing truck service center beyond its existing site, or the allowance of new, without a freight mobility plan that would address and mitigate the potential adverse impacts,” explained Community Planning and Economic Development Director Gina Estep, introducing the change.

The city council in 2013 began discussing the land use, after staff reported that a landowner had begun discussions on establishing another truck center adjacent to Truck Town on a 12-acre site. The council approved an interim ban in 2014 to give staff time to examine the impacts and later directed staff to begin the process of making the change permanent. The planning commission unanimously recommended the action in February.

“It’s important to note that the regulations that are being considered today do not affect the existing center. The existing center can continue to operate and it can continue to improve its site, subject to the provisions of the regulations,” Estep added.

The city has been the target of harsh criticism regarding its action. However members of the council have firmly stated that the issue is not an objection to trucks, but an objection to the city’s lack of support from county, port and state legislators in addressing the area’s freight needs.

Resident Jeff Martine supported the vote, saying “Let’s pass this. We’re not bashing truckers, I’ve never seen any evidence of that. I think we all realize we need the trucking industry, it’s indispensable… but it’s simply ridiculous to think that the little city of North Bend can possibly subsidize this immense industry that everyone in the region is totally dependent upon.”

Councilwoman Jeanne Pettersen again emphasized the change affected new construction only.

“Our truck stop has served drivers for many years and will continue to do so,” she said. “This ordinance is not a take-away of existing services.”

Truck Town is estimated to serve about 900 trucks per day, with parking for an estimated 140 trucks at a time.