Housing is a fundamental need. It matters for your health, future, family stability, and happiness. In Hood River, we have seen a sharp shift in the economics and dynamics of the community. Hood River is now in the top 1% of most expensive housing markets for rural counties in the United States, with a median listed home price of $493,000, a price that is only affordable to the top 10% of area households and 48% of renters are considered cost burdened. The heart of our community - our workforce, young families, and those on a fixed income - are being priced out. This has affected neighborhoods as streets are dark with second homes, schools have seen declining enrollment, and local businesses and public agencies struggle to fill positions. As our communities' needs have evolved, so has Thrive’s focus and we are thrilled to announce that we have received a grant…
On February 12, 2020 the Hood River County Planning Commission held a hearing to consider Thrive Hood River’s appeal of a fourth permit extension for Apollo Land Holding LLC’s Deetour concert venue development. All the Planning Commissioners affirmatively declared that they were qualified to sit in judgment, that they had no biases and no conflicts of interest. The Planning Commission decided against us 4-2. One of the Commissioners denying our appeal was AJ Kitt. A few days after making that decision, we noticed a sign listing Mr. Kitt as the leasing agent for an industrial property owned by Bob Benton in Odell. Mr. Benton is one of the partners of Apollo Land Holdings. Then we learned about another property located at 3061 Odell Highway where Mr. Kitt represents Mr. Benton as the selling agent and finally, we found that Mr. Kitt actually represents Apollo Land Holdings – the applicant in…
