Wednesday, October 21, 2026
CASHMERE — A possible O’Reilly Auto Parts store and a request from Crunch Pak for additional parking or bin storage are shaping discussions about port-owned property in Cashmere.
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority commissioners received updates earlier this month on negotiations involving a parcel north of Sunset Highway and a separate proposal to lease approximately 1.25 acres at the Cashmere Mill District.
Stacie de Mestre, the port’s director of economic development and capital projects, said the port has a purchase and sale agreement with NNN Development for the parcel north of Sunset Highway.
The developer reported being in final lease negotiations with O’Reilly, with site development expected to move forward after a lease is signed, she said.
De Mestre said the developer had also met with the city and submitted a power application.
“They are doing their due diligence and getting their ducks in a row there,” she said.
The update did not include a completed lease or a construction start date.
Separately, Crunch Pak approached the port about leasing a central parcel at the Mill District to address shortages of both bin storage and employee parking.
De Mestre said the company preferred bin storage because that would require fewer site improvements and allow employees to continue parking closer to its facility.
She estimated either use could generate approximately $22,000 in annual lease revenue for the port.
The request prompted discussion about balancing revenue and the needs of an existing Cashmere employer against the appearance and long-term vision for the property.
CEO Jim Kuntz said environmental constraints limit development options on much of the parcel. He described the potential lease as a way to generate income but acknowledged concerns about how bin storage would fit alongside the district’s buildings.
Commissioners discussed fencing, screening and the height of stored bins as considerations if the port pursues that option. Parking also drew support as an alternative.
De Mestre said Crunch Pak could potentially use its existing parking area for bin storage and move employee parking onto the port property instead.
No lease was approved during the discussion.
The port also reported completing a separate administrative step involving the Mill District’s environmental restrictions.
De Mestre said a revised environmental covenant with the state Department of Ecology was officially recorded Oct. 12, concluding an effort that had taken more than two years.
The update addressed covenants covering four parcels south of Mill Road, with separate covenants for the port’s two parcels and two parcels held by another owner.
The creek-side parcel was not included because it was never part of the Ecology site, de Mestre said.
The covenant update was reported separately from the potential sale and lease arrangements, both of which remained under discussion.
Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media
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