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ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL Gateway Island to get 'Threshold' Long-debated public art issue provoked 'social media road rage' Comment By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Jun. 22, 2016 at 6:10 PM Updated Jun 22, 2016 at 6:14 PM By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Jun. 22, 2016 at 6:10 PM Updated Jun 22, 2016 at 6:14 PM » RELATED CONTENT Verde Village plans proceed --> The developers of Verde Village got the green light Tuesday night to begin phase two of their energy-efficient subdivision off West Nevada Street in Ashland.  Ashland City Council initia... » Read more X Verde Village plans proceed The developers of Verde Village got the green light Tuesday night to begin phase two of their energy-efficient subdivision off West Nevada Street in Ashland.  Ashland City Council initially balked at possible changes to agreements that would allow fences and create less open space in the area than called for in the original agreement. The developers also asked for a change that would allow larger houses than the 2,500-square-foot structures initially planned, but they backed off of that in order to strike a deal in which they promised zero-energy ready homes certified by Earth Advantage prior to occupancy.  Much of the conversation Tuesday centered around access to Bear Creek, which borders the property, with Councilor Carol Voisin proposing an amendment that would require a pathway through the subdivision for people to access the Greenway. The council stopped short of adopting that amendment, but suggested to staff that it would be desirable if possible. Councilor Greg Lemhouse, in voting for first reading approval of the changes to Verde Village, said innovation in terms of energy-efficiency is important enough to merit a compromise.  “I appreciate the original owners of this idea stuck with it. We have to be willing to be flexible. Change in agreements isn’t something that’s completely abnormal.”  The new houses may be helpful in Ashland’s tight housing market, with prices mostly in the $300,000 range — not exactly affordable housing, but not prohibitive either, says co-developer Laz Ayala of KDA Homes.  All houses in Verde Village will have south-facing solar, garden beds, an Earth Advantage platinum rating, high-efficiency HVAC, insulated windows and fresh-air exchange, according to the developer.  Affordable condos and cottages are already in and more are being built on the site. —Julie Akins • Mural unveiling set for Thursday morning • Guest Opinion: Dispelling public art myths • Second Ashland public art proposal submitted • Council votes to ask for alternative design • Public art installation choice stirs controversy » Social News A new piece of public art in Ashland finally got the go-ahead when Ashland City Council gave a nearly unanimous thumbs-up Tuesday to a sculpture by Seattle-area artist Susan Zoccola. The council voted 5-1 to approve the design for a piece called “Threshold,” which will be installed on a median area between the fire station and library where East Main Street meets Siskiyou Boulevard. The public-art approval process, known as the Gateway Project, has been contentious, something Councilor Rich Rosenthal referred to as “social media road rage based on misunderstandings.” Yet he applauded the community’s commitment to art. “What’s great is that Ashland made a commitment to have public art 15 years ago. When we talk about art, of course, we’re not always going to be on the same page.” Zoccola spoke to the council about her work for the city. “I made it to be open and like a gate, so people can walk under it and look up at it. I wanted it to reflect the trees around it. It looks light, but it’s actually quite sturdy,” she said. Councilor Stefani Seffinger said she agreed with the artist's intention and design. “I feel that 'Threshold' really captures Ashland. I think Ashland is a community on the threshold of creating positive events in the world. To me, 'Threshold' is evocative of that. I think the artist took in the comments of the community.” The one council dissenter was Carol Voisin, who said, “I don’t see or feel transcendence.” Voisin suggested an amendment to make council approval conditional and allow voters to remove the piece in 2020 if they vote to do so. Her amendment died for lack of a second. Other members of the council praised the piece and its location on the opposite end of downtown from the Plaza, saying it could become an additional draw. “I think this spot has been asking for something here for decades. I really like this artwork,” said Councilor Mike Morris. Mayor John Stromberg also praised the project, saying he believes it will help draw people to businesses and services on that end of town. “I predict it will quickly become something people are interested in," he said. "This end of town has something in it, too.” Now that the project has council approval, Zoccola will begin working with her engineers and fabricators to create the piece. She said she plans to visit the site again for greater perspective. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ @julieakins. By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Jun. 22, 2016 at 6:10 PM Updated Jun 22, 2016 at 6:14 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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