Fox approved as Camas city administrator

CAMAS — The selection of Camas’ next city administrator is official.

The city council Monday unanimously approved hiring Jamal Fox for the position. Mayor Barry McDonnell announced Fox’s nomination July 20 after a months-long search that included 67 applicants.

Fox is expected to start his new role Aug. 31. He most recently worked in Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s administration as a deputy chief of staff.

In a video conversation with McDonnell earlier this month, Fox said that his top priorities include managing development downtown and at the Lacamas Lake North Shore, protecting natural areas, and creating recreational opportunities.

Apartments planned in Fourth Plain corridor

A developer has submitted a preliminary application to build a 16-unit apartment building on a 0.4-acre vacant lot along Northeast 66th Avenue in Vancouver’s Fourth Plain corridor.

The pre-application packet describes a single, four-story building with an adjoining 18-space parking lot, in an area surrounded by both multi- and single-family developments, as well as some commercial uses. The apartments would each be one-bedroom units with exterior decks and laundry machines.

The pre-application packet was submitted on behalf of a Portland-based company called Vast Inc. A pre-application conference with the city has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 20.