Coos Bay’s downtown Urban Renewal district isn’t getting any bigger. The city’s Urban Renewal Agency opted against expanding the boundary after considering several locations, including Garden Elements on U.S. Highway 101.

Co-owners Mike Vaughan and Joanne Gabbs asked the city to consider the expansion so they could apply for a $7,500 virtual business incubator grant. They planned to use the funds on advertising and developing displays about renewable energy.

But the city decided the option for expansion should be preserved to help attract a “big box” store to the area. The city council acts as the board for Urban Renewal, holding a separate meeting immediately after the regular council meeting.

Vaughan was surprised by the decision, noting the expansion would cost only $1,500 in administrative fees.

But acreage, not dollars, turned out to be the deciding factor. The city can expand its district only another seven acres. Several council members said the district should keep its options open for a large developer.

Mayor Jeff McKeown also said if the city expanded the district for one business, it would set a precedent. That concern was shared by council member Stephanie Kramer.

“I’d hate to start parceling property in little bits at a time,” she said.

The agency also approved a $25,000 contract with South Coast Development Council to help with business development in the urban renewal district.

The city council also approved a contract for $3.8 million with TEAM Construction of Vancouver, Wash., to build the downtown fire station. Fire Chief Stan Gibson said construction should begin at the Elrod Avenue location within 30 to 40 days and be completed by next June.