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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us February 16, 2006 Historic photo courtesy of the Jackson County Historical Society. Photo illustration by Peter Hahnloser | Ashland Daily Tidings Ashland circa 2015 By Vickie Aldous Ashland Daily Tidings Ashland would retain some of the best elements from its past and present, while also using modern technology to improve livability if Ashland City Councilors could have their way. Council members were asked to envision their ideal Ashland in 2015 as part of a visioning and goal-setting session facilitated earlier this month by staff from Integrations, a Eugene consulting firm. In interviews later, several councilors said they hope Ashlanders will fully embrace sustainability in the future. “To me, that means being more self-reliant,” said Councilor Kate Jackson. “We need to retain the food-producing land in the region. Energy-wise, we need to be consuming less and generating more of our own.” In Ashland’s early days, pioneers relied on renewable energy like wood for heating their homes and hydropower from Ashland Creek to run mills. Jackson said she would like to see the city develop solar, wind and other clean, renewable energy sources and explore whether the city electric department could operate independently from outside power providers. That would not only help conserve resources, but would increase Ashland’s resiliency in the wake of a disruptive terrorist attack, an outbreak of bird flu or other regional or national disaster, she said. Councilor Alex Amarotico said he would like to see even more Ashland businesses adopt conservation measures, with the city also attracting new environmentally friendly businesses. Although the council as a whole is moving forward with plans to eventually connect to Medford’s water supply through the Talent-Ashland-Phoenix water line, Councilor David Chapman said he wants the city to conserve its way out of needing the intertie by reusing water while also collecting rainwater. Several councilors also mentioned economic as well as environmental sustainability as an important goal. Ashland previously weathered a transition when lumber mills closed and the city expanded its tourism industry, Jackson said. “We need to look for something to be a partner to tourism. We need a broader job base,” she said. Councilor Russ Silbiger said he wants the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and other local economic engines to continue to do well, but he would also like to see more year-round, high-paying jobs. Councilors also saw an improved transportation situation as part of the larger sustainability picture. Chapman said he supports people walking, riding their bikes and using mass transportation. Expanded bus service or an alternative mass transit system is needed, according to Mayor John Morrison. “It’s premature to talk about rail, but I’d like to see commuter rail at some point,” he said, noting that the concept is being discussed on a regional level and the city could possibly buy land in the railroad district for a terminal. “Within 20 years, I would not be surprised to see light commuter rail.” Jackson said more mixed residential and commercial use would benefit the city, especially in such areas as the downtown and near the intersection of Ashland Street and Tolman Creek Road. People could then live closer to where they work and shop. Since all the town’s grocery stores are on the south side of Ashland Creek, she said a store on the other side of town could reduce traffic congestion. Several councilors said residents as well as tourists would use an ideal downtown. “Right now, most of us see the downtown almost as tourist territory,” Morrison said. Urban design and landscaping design could spruce it up, and activities like entertainment or a Saturday market could draw locals, he suggested. In the distant future, a downtown auditorium could help the area become more of a civic center, Morrison said. While Jack Hardesty said he also would like to see improvements to the downtown to aid pedestrians and reduce traffic, he said he would most want to rest assured that all residents’ basic needs, like food and heat, are met. That could become a challenge for a tourist-dependent town if predictions about oil supplies being used up come true, he said. “I hope it continues to prosper. It’s still the best town in the United States,” Hardesty said. Staff writer Vickie Aldous can be reached at 479-8199 or [email protected]. 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