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MEDFORD Medford planners raise concerns about traffic at proposed new Costco Retail giant plans to move to Northgate Centre Marketplace Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 10, 2015 at 5:53 PM Updated May 11, 2015 at 10:07 AM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 10, 2015 at 5:53 PM Updated May 11, 2015 at 10:07 AM » RELATED CONTENT • Costco considers Central Point for relocation • Medford shoppers wonder about impacts of Costco on Trader Joe's parking lot... » Social News Plans for a new, larger Costco in Medford have raised concerns among city planners about potential traffic conflicts. Medford planners found the Costco plans could create pedestrian and vehicle problems at one of the main entrances into the proposed 155,548-square-foot warehouse off North Central Avenue between East McAndrews Road and Rossanley Drive. Costco is planning to close its existing store on Highway 62 and open a new store and 7,500-square-foot gas station at the Northgate Centre Marketplace, home to Trader Joe's and REI.  The concerns will be addressed during a public hearing on the project at noon, Friday, before the Medford Site Plan and Architectural Review Commission. "The three-legged intersection, combined with the highly concentrated point of pedestrian traffic, appears difficult to navigate, particularly considering the 45-foot-wide driveway width that provides access to two separate drive aisles," according to a planning review. Local residents have previously complained about the difficultly negotiating the nearby existing parking lot in front of Trader Joe's, which was built according to the city's minimum standards. Other concerns raised by planners include potential conflicts with parking stalls that have direct access to one of the main drive aisles just north of the building. Similar concerns have been raised about the Trader Joe's lot because motorists can back out into the main traffic aisle, blocking the flow of traffic. Planners also noted that some of the planter islands would require a large turning radius, which could force many larger vehicles into oncoming traffic. The design of the new Costco submitted to the city shows an exterior with a number of different features and building materials to help break up the long horizontal lines. The building will be more energy-efficient and will use recycled materials, according to the plans. Planners only found minor issues with the design, which was described as "modernist." Entrances to the Costco parking lot would be from North Central Avenue, East McAndrews Road, Rossanley Drive and Court Street. An existing roundabout that routes traffic to Trader Joe’s and other stores also would be used by motorists heading to Costco. Plans show other, unnamed retail stores proposed on vacant land adjacent to the proposed Costco, mostly situated along North Central Avenue. Costco and Regency also will have to clean up contamination on the property from a timber mill that was once located on the site. The existing Costco on Highway 62 is 136,756 square feet and was built in 1991. By comparison, the north Medford Walmart is 152,000 square feet, and the south Medford Walmart is 192,903 square feet. No plans have been announced for the existing Costco once it's vacated. According to Costco’s plans, it wants to locate its store closer to the downtown. The new store also would be closer to the north Medford interchange on Interstate 5. The existing store is about a mile from Interstate 5. The city’s building code requires Costco to have 73 bike stalls, based on the size of the building. Costco has asked that the number be reduced to 20 stalls — 10 for customers and 10 for workers — because most of its clients don’t cycle to the store. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow on Twitter at @reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 10, 2015 at 5:53 PM Updated May 11, 2015 at 10:07 AM » 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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