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http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Obituaries Weather Archive Hot Topics Forum Photo Gallery Past Readers Polls Revels Etcetera Backpage O-Zone Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Online Games Movie Preview September 28, 2006 Billings dream deferred By Robert Plain Ashland Daily Tidings Orville Hector | Daily Tidings Real Estate Broker Rob Skinner repairs a 'for sale' sign outside of unfinished condos in The Billings Ranch Subdivision. The Billings golf course is all but sunk, and the associated subdivision is on the rocks. John Billings, the property owner, and Mike Peru, the subdivision developer, both had separate dreams when they agreed to work together to create a subdivision and golf course on the Billings family farm south of Ashland. Billings wanted to create an 18-hole championship level golf course that would keep the 100-year-old farm in open space. Peru wanted to create a subdivision that would complement the golf course, and sell for top dollar. Neither man got what they wanted. Peru, doing business as the Billings Ranch Golf Group, eventually gave up on the golf course. In the meantime, the real estate market changed, leaving him and the other developers associated with the project with more vacant lots than sold homes. "I've had to move on," Peru said about the golf course. "There isn't enough land there to build a golf course there." Though the Billings family declined to comment for this story, Peru's partner, Ross Waddell said of the proposed golf course, "That's what John Billing's dream was." Peru and Waddell said community disagreement, environmental concerns and the high cost of land in Ashland factored into their decision to abandon the golf course. The Billings have begun to farm their remaining 130 acres again. They sold 15 acres to Peru and Waddell. Their initial agreement was the Billings would sell 15 acres for homes to the developers. The developers would build a golf course on land owned by the Billings, who would lease that land to the developers. But things aren't going much better for the developers than they are for the Billings. "Sales are off," Peru said. "If you look around the city there are for sale signs all over the place. I've never seen so many for sale signs." Peru and Waddell created 72 lots on the 15 acres. They sold 27 lots to other developers, who Peru said are having a hard time selling the homes they build on them. "They didn't build what we told them to," Peru said. The other developers, Thurmond Construction and Diamond Key Builders, could not be reached for comment for this story. Peru and Waddell kept 45 lots for themselves and have sold five of the 10 single family homes already built and one of the eight townhouses. Peru said he won't build any more units until he sells at least half of the exisiting inventory. Waddell said the homes were built with a golf course in mind. They have small yards, 17 of which would have abutted the proposed course. And, he added, homeowners would have been able to drive golf carts from their homes to the course and they would have been made members of the country club they planned to build with the course. "Our homes would have been much more valuable if there had been a golf course there," Waddell said. Though Peru and Waddell are unconcerned about the dearth in sales, the real estate agents who are listing them are working hard to show them. They have an open house every Tuesday though Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. On Oct. 21, the realtor team from Windemere is hosting a "Day at the Ranch" to further promote the listings. Staff writer Robert Plain can be reached at 482-3456 x. 226 or [email protected] Current Comments: Typical. Putting the cart before the horse. In other words, building homes before the golf course was even built. That's planning for ya. I wonder if the people who already bought homes there want their money back? Not to mention the fact the new homes don't even fit in with the surrounding homes. Personally, I'm sitting here laughing at the whole thing. Jim P - Ashland - September 28th, 1:41 PM "I have a dream. I see a humble farm with wild fields and decaying buildings turned into a Disney landscape of bulldozed swales and irrigated astroturf, a playground for the wealthy retired. I see the hulking houses massed like cliffs around the perimeter, housing the fortunate consumers who will contribute to Ashland's unbalanced economy. I have a dream." Susan Hunt - Ashland - September 28th, 3:51 PM I can't stop crying because I'm laughing so much wen - portland, oregon - September 28th, 5:15 PM Oh my gosh!!! Does this mean we won't be able to get the PGA tour through here?? Or the likes of tiger woods??? That's it!! I'm putting out the for sale sign on my front lawn!! Ha Ha - ashland, Oregon - September 28th, 5:29 PM Why would Ashland want a big golf course so close to downtown, when we haven't even started a real effort to determine what we want to look like over the next 30 years? The desires of one big land owner shouldn't be foisted on the 20,000 other residents here. And those homes? Bring in a bulldozer, please. Ugly, ugly, ugly. Doesn't Ashland deserve something better? John L. - Ashland, OR - September 28th, 5:44 PM All the "Schadenfreude Sisters" posting here had better be ready for what comes next: tract housing & townhouses, with minimal greenspace & plenty more traffic congestion for Ashland. Remember, that's in the county. Really, Susan, all your class-envy bull is getting a little old, isn't it? You'd rather have a lot of two-earner families struggling to make payments, driving to work & shop in Medford, than wealthy retirees on golf carts? You want Talent, you'll get Talent. Bet you won't like it. Rich Kline - Ashland, OR - September 28th, 6:54 PM I thought it was a scam from the get go.....the golf course was secondary if seriously considered at all by the developers. All they saw were dollar signs in Ashland's once booming real estate market. I feel sorry for John that he won't get his golf course. bergy - Ashland, Or - September 28th, 7:36 PM I once found an old Daily Tidings stuffed in the wall cavity of my home. This Ad by "Billings" in the (then bi-weekly) newspaper dated Monday March 16. 1903 caught my eye: "...WIFE - Do you want to make some money by purchasing a small house and several lots? close in, Beautiful view. Right Price. PARENTS - How many times have you said to yourselves we must have something for our BOY to do? Get a 10-acre tract near town. Low price..." 100yrs on, and some things just don't change.... Colin Swales - Ashland - September 28th, 9:31 PM The promoters were just another bunch of hucksters..."Right here in River City". Anyone should have known that you build the golf course first and then the houses will follow but these guys took advantage of an old man with a dream and sold him and the town a bill of goods. Once again, the naive buyers are left holding the bag. Just like the nearly defunct Marketplace, they should get a mean attorney and sue the lot of them. Gimme Shelter - Ashland - September 28th, 9:41 PM I am disappointed in my Ashland brothers and sisters and their not so veiled anger. Sorry John. I hope you actually got paid for the land you sold and if not, maybe a lien on those unsold lots. The developers might need to check their ethics compasses for defects. A product liability lawsuit might be in the making. At least they did not get the Billings farm half torn up for a golf course before they folded up the tent. I am actaully sorry for their loss and the loss of the new homeowners. robin - former ashlander/texan - September 28th, 10:12 PM You know, the idea of another golf course drawing more retirees to a town which is already driving younger people away and feels more and more like a large retirement center didn't exactly set my heart a-flutter. But it was someone's dream and he did what he could to bring it to fruition. And it's dead and that probably smarts. Be glad if you must. But to delight in someone's pain is just tacky. I wonder if those scoffing realize how petty they sound. Jeff A. - Ashland, OR - September 28th, 10:14 PM The farm land is lovely. A golf course would have been a whole lot better than building up that property, though. The newly built houses are really eyesores. It might be hard to give those things away. Sharon - Ashland, OR - September 28th, 11:18 PM Serves them right. They screwed quite a few people getting this thing going. There are about 1/2 dozen people around this town who are laughing their asses off! See...it pays to be fair in business!!! Jefferson - Ashland, OR - September 29th, 5:47 AM I am very saddened to read letters from people who delight in the financial misfortunes of others. I lived in Ashland for 20 years and as I was leaving, the NIMBY factor was becoming well established. The Billings Ranch/ Golf Course will die just as so many other projects have been rezoned to death. Sincerely, John Boyle John Boylr ( [email protected] ) - Eugene Or - September 29th, 7:49 AM What is amazing about all of this is that our city government allowed this development to be built! In an area of simple, 1 story homes, big yards and working families, someone approved building creations that have no yards, microscopic bedrooms, entryways that are bigger than living rooms and architecture that doesn't exist here. How many more developments like this are going to be allowed? Helman Baths is next? Doesn't anyone realize that families want yards and 8 x 9 isn't a bedroom? todd ellis - ashland, or - September 29th, 7:56 AM Never liked the idea of a golf course, but at least it would have prevented the farm I used to take hay rides on in H.S. from turning into another "Quiet" Village when John dies. Dane Coefer - Ashland, Oregon - September 29th, 8:29 AM We are a two wage-earner family with two young boys. We all love to golf. The boys also go with their friends. Golfing is not just for wealthy seniors. I'm sorry the course won't be built just now, but mostly I'm sad for Mr. Billings and his dream. monica - ashland, OR - September 29th, 8:42 AM I'm in agreement with Todd Ellis. When I first cruised that development I was shocked and sent a letter to the Mayor. Lawn areas the size of a small dining table, alley ways the size of a hallway, the development in complete shadow from the massive towering structures, sqeezed in below the highway and completely incompatible with the surrounding neighborhoods. Bad. We just received a letter from a client thanking us for our guidance in suggesting they consider another area for their new home. Patie Millen - Ashland, OR - September 29th, 8:50 AM You career critics all love 2 run to your lawyers so fast! Who is going to sue and for what? Seems to me the loosers in this are the developers, you are all laughing at and hoping to burn at the stake. You think they didn't want this to be successful? Does it really bother your delicate sensibilities to see steep pitched roofs, non-faux-craftsman homes? U are ready to have the Planning Comm & the usual activists design our homes for us now? Your hearts are uglier than these homes, Ashland. saddened - Ashland - September 29th, 9:08 AM Ok so I'm not a golfer.. Why does there have to be 18 holes? Build 15 holes!!!!! Keep the idea alive. BE DIFFERENT!!!!! You can always pro-rate the greens fees for 15 instead of 18 and folks will come cause they can finish a round faster and cheaper..... Make the finished houses there weekly rentals... tourists have few options when it comes to weekly rentals... and at $1,500 a week the houses would pay for themselves. Soo, now as far as world peace let's dump capitolism then feed then... John Dennis - Ashland since '75 - September 29th, 10:07 AM My, my such petty meanness on display. Who knew. So the developers made a mistake and the Old Guard can maintain their status quo. Know what status quo can look like after a few decades? Static. Those 'working families' described in the article will have no place to work if progress passes them by. Progress doesn't have to be defined by a golf course but it would have provided jobs and some activity for the whole town. No amount of smugness will pay the bills. kathleen - Ashland, OR - September 29th, 10:31 AM Sorry to read all the messages from those that actually think Ashland will remain zero growth. As a destination city, a golf course development does make ecomomic sense and will bring in year round revenue to support city services. The real estate market will recover, and you can bet there are those that are waiting on the sidelines with lots of capital for the "fire sale" to begin. You better pray that your city planners don't answer the phone when "Wal Mart" calls. developer - san francisco - September 29th, 12:01 PM Actually another retirement home would probally provide more jobs. I feel bad for John he was one of the last that kept his property and had a dream for it. Years ago before the flood of building it could have been a dream. Does that area get the smell like quiet village? I think we should get Harry Scarry on the case. Ann - ashland or - September 29th, 12:04 PM Our house looks down on the Billings Property. We prefer the beautiful meadow and pond vs. a golf course. My big fear however is that eventually we will be looking down on a bunch of houses now that the golf course will not be going in. It is my dream as well as John Billing's that it will remain open space. T Kraft ( [email protected] ) - Ashland, OR - September 29th, 12:50 PM The weekly rental idea is great. The county controls planning on the Billings farm. The city has jurisdiction only on the 15 acres. County says ag. only and recreational (golf) is a conditional but soils reports make the site questionable for conditional use on all of it. I love golf. 9 holes with multiple tees would have created a great amenity near the tourists and townspeople. Resident discounts, out of towners pay more. Everyone wins. Championshhip courses are high risk investments. robin again - former ashlander - September 29th, 2:06 PM To: Developer, San Francisco. It's always amazing to me how those without benefit of local facts are able to so easily make pronouncements from afar about issues they know little about. For example, when Wal-Mart calls, they will find out about Ashland's Big Box ordinance, which will prevent that brand of ruthless capitalists from ruining yet another rural American county. As for the real estate bubble, Mr. Developer, Sir, don't you have some phone calls to return before it bursts? Red Dog - Ashland, Oregon - September 29th, 3:31 PM All of this negativity about Billings Ranch is appalling. I had thought the Ashland community was full of open minds, not small minds. Go figure. Anonymous - Los Angeles, CA - September 29th, 3:33 PM To: Red Dog A couple of thoughts that may suprise you. I have owned a vacation home in Ashland for years and visit monthly. I know very well what Wal Mart has done to rural America and I do not support it. And finally, the Ranch property will be developed eventually. Next time you drive to Talent and gaze down at the property, ask yourself if you would rather look at rooftops (commercial or residential) or green fairways. An opportunity has been missed and I too am saddened. Good day to you developer - san francisco - September 29th, 4:42 PM WalMart WANTED to build in Ashland B4 Talent! Of course you guys were'nt here, but your point is well taken, if not entirely accurate. Those houses are a criminal waste of material: "Show-Roofs" that waste lumber and risk the lives of carpenters and roofers alike, all to make "My House Is Bigger Than Yours" affecianados titilate. Golf Course is better use than retirement villas. No sympathy for developers: they've created enough ill-will to last a lifetime. Recall conflict of interest Ms.Brown? Geoff McPherson - Ashland OREGON - September 29th, 7:10 PM What's really sad is that the people who defeated the golf course plan because their idea of open space is not golf courses, have condemned what would have been a beautiful landscape to development. Get ready for more homes, town homes and condominiums....just watch. Way to go Green Team! Instead of a nice open green golf course, we�ll have housing. It won�t bring the families back, or open closed schools, but the rich retirees will appreciate what you�ve done. Cate Hartzell? Your views now? Steve L. Iverson - Ashland,Jefferson - September 30th, 7:27 AM I think a home depot would thrive in that location with all the new construction going up. Ann - ASHLAND Or - September 30th, 7:28 AM To whomever is to blame for those steep-roofed cookie-cutter houses: Please remove them and start over, please, OK? I was home for a visit this past summer and could not believe my eyes. There have been some eyesores built in town before but that development will keep first prize until it is torn down. Steve - Japan - September 30th, 9:03 AM Geoff reminds me of the of the Jimmy Carter era campaigns to ban trucks from highways. Truckers fought back with a bumpersticker: "If you got it, a truck brought it." Their point was well taken in 1980. Today, I'd make that: "If you live in it, a developer built it." Or maybe: "If you have a job, thank an investor." Negative egalitarianism � "I cannot prosper, but I can keep you from prospering" � is the hallmark of terminal socialism, as practised by college town hangers-on & their elitist ilk. Rich Kline - Ashland, OR - September 30th, 9:30 AM I am amused that folks seem to think town (which has liimited purview over this project) or the environmentalists somehow 'killed' this project. Yes, a golf course is better than a sea of condos, but wasn't this project a victim of the developers efforts to cram a course onto a too small lot, coupled with horrible chateau-style design, an out-of-town location, and skyrocketing interest rates? Caveat Developer...nobody to blame but himself, whether others take a sad glee in his failure or not. enough - ashland, or - September 30th, 10:49 AM Rich, me thinks thou have missed thy mark by a mileth Geoff - Ashland OR - September 30th, 7:38 PM The sweetest note of all, so far not noted, but music to my ears: "The Billings have begun to farm their remaining 130 acres again." I applaud the Billings for picking up where they left off in a valley where making top dollar off property is actually seen as a sign of intelligence and farming as a last resort of the feeble minded. I wish them decent prices this year. Tracy - Ashland, OR - October 1st, 3:53 AM enough-do your homework my friend.The golf course idea has been around for decades. The greens have fought it all the way.Including the recent plan where they stopped that acreage along the bike path. The land adjacent to the bike path was their "spotted owl" and it worked. Hope they are all happy, years from now when they look out across that beautiful landscape that is Billings Ranch, they'll see nothing but houses. A golf course would have been much nicer. The developer isn't the issue here. Steve L. Iverson - Ashland, Jefferson - October 1st, 7:37 AM Mr. Iverson, you missed my point. I was suggesting that perhaps the developer ought to have considered the problems with building a golf course on a too small lot (knowing of the opposition), ought have considered building less ostentatious buildings (or at least more creative/varied ones) and the other risks in this project. It didn't fail entirely because of the 'greens.' In part it failed because he (the Developer) made bad & risky choices. enough - ashland, or - October 2nd, 7:03 AM Enough, you make a good point. Those homes, architectural style notwithstanding, are scrunched so close together as to make them ridiculous. Fewer houses with more space around them may have led to an entirely different outcome. kathleen - ashland, OR - October 2nd, 1:10 PM Steve, It wasn't the environmentalists that killed the golf course, it was an inept developer. There never was a solid plan. No application for a golf course was ever received by the county. The developer claimed he had committments to sell land from nieghbors, the neighbors said otherwise. The list of mis-steps by the developer on this goes on and on. One thing is sure, when Mr. Billings passes away, the entrance to Ashland will be one big development. Tom B. - Ashland, Or - October 3rd, 2:39 PM Mr. Billings is a great man.I have been impressed with him and his family's history over the years.Perhaps,someone close to him could approach and request he consider deeding the land to the Parks Department contingent on them actually making a park out of it and not selling it off.That would be awesome!The kids could fish the pond and such a park could take some of the strain off of Lithia.A beautiful location for a new bandshell.What a leagcy he could leave behind.Could the city purchase it? Steve L. Iverson - Ashland, Jefferson - October 3rd, 10:14 PM Interesting allegations/observations from "armchair developers". When you've been on the sidelines it's easy to second guess what's been done. Jefferson commented that "They screwed quite a few people getting this thing going." Those are strong words. What's the rest of that story? Clinton - Ashland, OR - October 3rd, 11:33 PM I've been told that the Billing's family and their forefather's have maintained this land for over a hundred years, dutifully paying property taxes & allowing various easements as progress encroached upon their land. Yes, it's sad that the dream of a family has died, but more sad are the Greedy Green who believe they have the right to demand a family's private land be forever maintained for public use, ie: those who want the land as a park or left "as is" at Billings' expense. Clinton - Ashland, OR - October 3rd, 11:55 PM They uglied up one of America's most beautiful towns with atrocious homes and nobody stopped them. I don't believe that developers and developments are necessarily a bad thing, but when they are allowed to build ugly, inferior, overpriced housing based on false promises to the community, at least learn from the mistake and don't repeat it. You still have a reasonably gorgeous town in spite of this tragic misadventure. Try not to blow it down the road. A former resident Steve - Tampa, fl. - October 4th, 4:04 AM Clinton, you make one of the most salient points in this discussion. Why should the Billings family simply donate this beautiful land because the townspeople would prefer it that way? If the town offers the family a fair price, that would be one thing, but... anything else is like believing in the Tooth Fairy. kathleen - ashland, OR - October 4th, 10:09 AM I like Steven Iverson's idea - a park for the kids to play, for people to walk. I didn't take his suggestion as a "demand" at all ; Just a pretty picture and a good idea. If the Billings family owns the property they should have the final word over it's use. That's what owning property is ( I think ). Lear Grace - Ashland Oregon - October 4th, 12:43 PM here's a an idea,,, lets leave some land for the next generations ,, stop the building its really getting out of hand,, we are just makeing the wrong people rich!!! my great-great grand kids just might want to live in ashland too. whos larger than large house will they have to tear down to build their dreams??? think about it.. lisa e. - ashland - October 4th, 7:00 PM In response to Clinton: In the early planning there were several building contractors working on that project. One of the contractors is a friend of mine and i got to watch how this situation was handled. In short, the builder removed himself after figuring out that the project was full of problems and he wasnt getting paid. The houses he had planned blended in a lot better...now were stuck with these ungodly sights. Jefferson - Ashlandria, Oregon - October 5th, 6:18 AM "Mr. Billings is a great man." Have you met him? All people, including Mr. Billings, possess a side that the public rarely sees. Unless you have been priveledged, or not, to be closesly acquainted, you may never see this other side. Thus it is not correct to say that a man is a "great man," but rather "seems like a great man." Choose your words carefully when making such statements, for you never do know what one has done behind the public's eye. M - Ashland, OR - October 6th, 7:46 AM There are a lot of 'atrocious' homes built every year - even in Ashland, and even before this development. Ashland is an expensive, boutique city, and people who can afford the entry price don't necessarily want to live in 1000 square foot cottages. You can blame the developers all you want - however I'd say the very high cost of housing is keeping out exactly the kind of buyer who would consider purchasing and occupying something that fits the scale and character of historical Ashland. M - Central Point, OR - October 7th, 4:46 PM Thanks, M. Central Point clearly has a handle on intelligent growth, riiight? Thanks for the lecture on the town where I owned a home and a business for the past eighteen years. It is obvious that you either don't have a clue what you're talking about, or you build ugly homes that clash with communities for a living. Which is it? Steve - Tampa, Fl. - October 9th, 3:52 AM M- I agree with what you wrote. Steve- Sounds a bit like an attack. Take a chill pill and have an intelligent discussion here. Clinton - Ashland - October 9th, 6:15 PM Steve - I never held up Central Point, of all places, as a model for development. It's just where I happen to live. In my opinion, at least young professional people would want to live in Ashland, and might but for the cost of living (and I could say the same about Boulder, Co for that matter - please don't take it personally ). Ashland has a LOT going for it, but the people who can afford to buy in now don't want small, historically scaled homes. And I think that's too bad. Scott. M - Central Point, Or. - October 10th, 11:10 AM Its pretty bad when the people who made ashland, grew up in ashland raised their kids in Ashland their kids won't be able to live there (jobs and income)and there parents could never afford to stay there. The Californians came in and drove the market sky high the builders built for the wealthy and the city is being run by people linked to the money that is being made selling to the wealthy. I would like to see stats on how many people who are employed by the city live in the the city. ann - ashland or - October 11th, 2:54 PM Ann: Wealthy people moving here create jobs & opportunity for productive people. They inspire by example, volunteer & live constructively. Instead of whining, grumbling & envying, ask: "Were my kids educated for success & prosperity? Did they learn to think & write clearly? To be accountable?" Or did they go to 'feel good' schools run by self-annointed, tenured, unionized, unaccountable, adultolescent, elitist educrats with political agendas & a poor understanding of society & economics? Rich Kline - Ashland, OR - October 18th, 7:13 AM Rich, All of what you point out can be true. However, once educated and properly motivated, how are these productive people to afford the price of even a modest 900 square foot starter home? Even beat up, long time 'rental' properties which need extensive work are selling for huge sums of money. No one said life was fair - and some people will find a way to make it work. But a lot of educated, even prosperious by most standards, people can't make the numbers work in Ashland. m - central point, or - October 20th, 7:12 AM m: I can't afford to live many places. I moved to a relatively inexpensive area to get my start in homeowning. Only recently could I afford to move to Ashland. So it goes. "Education" is no magic ticket; there are educated failures everywhere. Managing markets always produces shortages and higher prices. It's been proven time and again. Sorry. Anyone who is concerned about "affordable housing" is free to sell their home cheaply in order to help someone else live here. But don't mess with mine. Rich Kline - Ashland, OR - October 20th, 5:55 PM M: I am entitled to my Opinion on Mr. Billings. Yes, I have met him. He's been to my home and my children fish in his pond on the ranch. He served as a city council years ago and has offered some a lot to the community over the years. Stop making insinuations about the man. You got something to say, say it. CLINTON: My idea about the land being donated was just an idea. Not a demand. Many of the most beautiful places in our country have come from donated lands...just an idea. Relax man. Steve L. Iverson - Ashland, Jefferson - October 23rd, 7:07 AM Steve - My ONLY point is that the cost of land is high enough in Ashland that people who can afford to live in the city don't necessarily want to live in smaller, historically scaled homes. I have no issues with Mr. Billings, or Mr. Peru, or anyone who wants to live on a golf course, or not, as the case may be. It's simply unrealistic to expect an incoming community of wealthier individuals to conform to the status quo. M - Central Point, OR - October 23rd, 10:22 AM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising Inkjet Printers Student Loans Water Filter Helzberg Diamonds Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Advertisement: Copyright © 2006 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.