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June 2, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels January 22, 2004 Bemis project cannot join our downtown In September 2003, I expressed dismay that the city council had passed an ordinance allowing buildings in downtown Ashland to contain 45,000 square feet of gross floor space, which is substantially larger than the Albertson's store. On Nov. 14, I left a Planning Commission hearing in total disbelief. The Bemis building development, to be located at First and Hargadine streets and beginning directly behind the Ashland Springs Hotel, will have a total gross square footage of over 81,000 which is double the size of Albertson's. To imagine the scale of this development, one has to stand at East Main Street and envision a building reaching the sixth floor of the hotel in height and extending all the way to Hargadine, ending in over two stories in height. lt will be the largest building ever built in Ashland, and will totally dwarf other downtown buildings. How could a building complex of this scale and size develop without being stopped early in planning? On Feb. 11, the Planning Commission "unanimously recommended that the city council interpret the existing 'big box' ordinance with the 45,000 gross square footage to mean gross floor area in all spaces." A member of the architecture firm drawing the Bemis plans is and was a sitting member of the commission. At that February meeting, the director of community development was directed to present that recommendation to the city council. The Office of Community Development did not present the ordinance until September. That delay was questioned by a member of the Planning Commission. Certainly a project of such magnitude would have to present questions and concerns to the Planning Department as plans evolved last year. Did no one consider this building complex beyond the scale and character of our downtown area? It has always been reassuring that the quality and professionalism found in both the Planning Commission and the city council is exceptional for any city. One feels both effort and time has been given to preserving the character, ambiance and uniqueness of this small town. However, there now appears to be a decided change on the part of city planning departments in dealing with downtown development. The question for Ashland to look at is whether the Bemis building development is an aberration in a process or is it the beginning of a change to be watched with a sense of distrust and loss to this small community? Ramona DeVaul Ashland Skate parks must be family friendly My family relocated to the Rogue Valley just under two years ago from a small coastal town. One of the many motivating factors of that move were the skate parks in Ashland and Talent, since we have a 7-year-old boy. Since we moved here, I have taken our son to the skate parks only three times. This is due largely in part to the extremely vulgar language and conversations from the other skaters. There's a time and a place for everything, but when adults or little kids are around, it should be glaringly obvious that this isn't it! I am a fairly young mother, open-minded and by no means a prude, but there's something called respect. I'm grateful that our local youth have a hangout where they can be productive. In fact, that's what I desire for my own son. But I would hope that the people that hang out at the skate parks would be the first to understand the importance of getting an early start at skating/BMX biking/roller-blading. Every single time I've taken my son, thinking that this time will be different, I've heard vulgar language, and most recently, upon a visit to the Talent skate park, overheard (easily) discussions over how to react if a cop catches you stoned or with a bag of weed, drunk etc. I know I cannot protect my son from these conversations, but I'd hope he wouldn't need to be educated at 7 years old in an environment that is specifically designed for kids! The icing on the cake, though, was when he dragged me over to one of the skating bowl areas & pointed out the profanity that has been painted there (yes, he can read!). As I previously stated, I feel that the skate parks can be an asset to our community & our youth, but if we accept the current standard, I don't see how my son is benefiting. I would like to see some changes: 1. No graffiti allowed! Ever! 2. How about a time-slot just for the younger kids, so we parents that are concerned with the influences our children are exposed to can feel comfortable taking our kids to the skate parks? (For example, Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) I'm sure I'm not the only parent out there that has disappointed by the lack of respect and example that these kids are showing our kids; if anybody out there agrees with me, please say or do something! Even if we win two hours of time for our kids a week to practice their hobbies, wouldn't that be worth it? Together we might make a difference for our kids! Amanda Morris Ashland Bemis proposal doesn't fit in I urge the council to listen carefully to testimony presented by citizens very upset that an 82,000 square foot structure might be built in the middle of downtown! I have been active in land use issues for 15 years; one of the biggest concerns expressed during that time has been the possible construction of huge buildings that do not fit their surroundings, whose scale, bulk and density are totally out of proportion to the surrounding edifices. So far, most of these monster buildings have thankfully not passed the planning stage. This proposal, for a combination parking garage, commercial and condominium use, was submitted before the final plans were drawn; commissions that review applications and note impact on their particular area of interest were not able to see completed drawings; could they make an informed decision? More importantly, the application violates the intent and will of the populace: no structures over 45,000 square feet in the city. The impact to nearby streets must be explored. Conformity to the Downtown Plan, which stresses 2-3 story buildings (rather than this 5-story) should be discussed. Finally, the compatibility with the area and its relation to the city at large must be addressed; if this is built, it will not soon go away. This proposal would be detrimental to the character of downtown and the city as a whole. Let's all live by the standards and size restrictions we have decided will insure the continuance of small-town atmosphere treasured by most of the residents. Debbie Miller Ashland Tree important to our cityscape Whoa! Not so fast. The proposed development on Ashland Creek at 88 N. Main St. looked good to me until I saw the bit about replacing the beautiful alder tree with some sort of sculpture. That tree adds much to our town's look, feel, and yes, ambience. Surely some way can be found to accommodate this proposed development and save the tree. If not, then I say "no." I think that there will be many who agree with me. Bruce Barnes Ashland DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams