Mail Tribune News - Phoenix annexation under review

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Phoenix annexation under review PHOENIX -- The Planning Commission voted Monday to continue discussion of a 19-acre annexation on North Phoenix Road. At issue is the proposed development's addition to traffic problems at the Fern Valley Road freeway interchange. Southern Oregon developer Bob Robertson, who recently won approval for a Denny's and a Holiday Inn Express at the south Ashland interchange, wants to build a tourist-oriented mixed-use development with one or two hotels, office space and restaurants over the next five to six years. While no one spoke in opposition to the annexation, Stephen and Barbara Brown of the nearby Meadow View subdivision submitted a letter arguing that the city's traffic problems should be dealt with before any new development is approved. Planning staff are also concerned that the growth would be too much too soon. While the city and Oregon Department of Transportation are beginning plans to improve the south side of Fern Valley Road, plans to realign North Phoenix Road and improve the north side of Fern Valley Road are still several years off. The commission directed staff to draft conditions for approval, including a requirement that Robertson submit a plan detailing his plans for development and a corresponding traffic study. Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA