Land to the north has been transferred to the city for affordable housing.

Seaside city councilors agreed to call together the Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District, Seaside Kids and local residents to seek direction for 7 acres referred to as the “North 40” following a work session on Jan. 21.

Formerly owned by the Seaside School District, the sports fields reverted to the county when the district sold the property. The county transferred ownership to the city in April 2021.

As long as the park is used for youth recreation by the city, it remains city property. If it stops being used for those purposes, the deed reverts back to the county.

Landscape and architecture planning firm Cameron McCarthy will develop three concept plans for the North 40 park property, former public works direcor Dale McDowell said.

The next step is to work with the consultant to develop three concepts for the park, City Manager Spencer Kyle said. Concepts would be delivered for public comment and feedback.

A draft master plan, developed with input from the community, would undergo park advisory committee review before heading to the City Council for adoption.

Land transfer

Adjacent to the North 40 to the northeast, decisions remain on what to do with 1.82 acres of land transferred from the county to the city for child care or social services.

Kyle said he expected any attempt to rezone the property would be challenged, as it may not align with state goals for limiting residential density in a hazardous tsunami zone.

The former high school itself, purchased by TM Development LLC in 2021 for $3.2 million, also offers potential for private development.

The building, which is 102,00 square feet in size, sits on 12 acres on N. Holladay Drive. The medium-density, single-family zone allows 10 homes per acre, with some multifamily homes. Outright permitted uses for the property include homes, gardens, family care, residential home care and day care. Churches, schools, parks and government buildings are allowed subject to a conditional use permit.

The property is not subject to the same residential zoning restrictions as the city.

The city’s community development director, Jeff Flory, said the planning department has not received a submittal for review for the property at this time.

Land overlooking the estuary, also owned by TM Development, could be pursued for preservation, Kyle said.

The city is working on an appraisal, he said.