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SUNNY Temp: 81 °F Wind: N at 14 mph Tuesday, June 10, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend June 9, 2003 Medford house in the path of development By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune A Medford resident is feeling picked on by progress. Four years ago, Laurie Facciuto sued the city and won $46,000 after it took a 15-foot strip of her property to widen North Phoenix Road. Now a city ordinance is requiring her to trim a 528- square- foot triangle of vegetation to 3-feet-high at her property corner for a stop sign. "I didn’t want any of this," said Facciuto, who bought her 1895 farmhouse in 1983. Back then, it was on a two-lane road surrounded by vacant land. Now her property is bordered on three sides by Summerfield Estates, a development begun last year that eventually will number 218 homes and be part of the 10,000-resident Southeast Plan. Part of the development includes the new Calle Vista, a residential street that borders the south side of Facciuto’s property, where the stop sign will be. Advertisement "The little guy doesn’t stand a chance," said Facciuto. But city staff argues it’s a public safety issue. "The city is trying to provide infrastructure for 66,000 people," said Public Works Director Cory Crebbin. "We have to have sight distance for safety," he said, "so that little guys don’t get killed and maimed and their property damaged." Facciuto said she’s worried the street widening and neighborhood development have decreased the value of her property. Medford appraiser Roy Wright said he didn’t think the work going on was damaging the property value. He said an antique house has appeal to the right person. "If someone wanted to go in there and restore that house, it has a lot of value," he said. But for someone wanting to live in the country, that portion of east Medford may not be the right place. "She is in the path of progress," he said. The Southeast Plan was approved five years ago, long after Facciuto purchased her property. But Wright advised prospective property owners to help prevent such surprises by checking first with planning departments about what’s in the works. He said another common practice, especially in Ashland, is to move the house to a less developed area. City Planning Director Rob Scott said his department receives a lot of complaints about developments because neighbors didn’t see them coming. He encourages property owners and potential property owners to contact their city or county planning departments. "If you’ve got vacant property near you, it behooves you to come in and see what’s planned so you’re not surprised," he said. He suggested Medford residents become aware of the city’s comprehensive plan and the zoning in their area. Residents should also get involved in the planning process, he said. The Medford Planning Department may be reached at 774-2380. Reach reporter Meg Landersat 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times