After hearing from Pendletons Urban Renewal District chair, Hermistons renewal district planning committee had visions of turn-of-the-century stylish buildings lining the citys future downtown.

There are several hidden gems under the remuddling of the 1950s and 60s, Pendleton chair Keith May said. Youve got real potential for a quaint, 1907 town on the main drag.

In the second meeting since its inception, the committee agreed upon the urban renewal districts boundary and discussed potential projects after hearing Mays encouragement.

The jagged boundary will essentially fit between Ridgeway and Highland Avenues, and SW 6th and NE 7th Streets.

City planner Clint Spencer showed the group projects with some rough cost estimates to divvy up the estimated $3.1 million the district expects to receive from from incremental tax revenue in other frozen districts. They included a downtown plaza at $1.3 million, parking lot at $315,000, facade improvement grants for businesses and downtown signage and street lighting.

The committee asked Mark Morgan, assistant to the city manager, to estimated costs on all the projects before making any decisions.

Morgan reminded members that they have the ability to make changes to the projects.

This is really to help us see how all these play out together against our budget, Morgan said. You can adjust, go back or change these projects up.

Mays visit sparked excitement over another potential project: jump-start business incentives.

May said the loans utilized in Pendleton cater to businesses wishing to establish or sustain themselves in the urban renewal district.

Committee members also elected Wade Smith as chair and Debbie Pedro as vice-chair.

The next meeting is set for April 25 at 6 p.m., when the committee will finalize the projects for the district.

Contact Natalie Wheeler at nwheeler@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4536.