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Growth vs. no-growth: That's the plan Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Dave Sundet hopes the view from his new home never changes. It's still under construction in the Oregon Hills subdivision. If a regional growth plan holds up, his view of Hillcrest Orchards between his home and Foothill Road will be preserved. The plan sets aside areas valleywide for growth and preservation of open space. Phase one of regional growth report to be discussed at public hearings By TONY BOOM A homeowner is happy with a proposal in a countywide long-range plan that would preserve an orchard view from his deck. But a farmland owner doesn't like the plan's suggestion that his 31-acres already near development should retain its agricultural designation. The plan is part of a regional report that attempts to identify growth and no-growth areas in Jackson County. It was developed by a consortium of county and city government representatives and was released earlier this month. Called "Greater Bear Creek Valley Regional Problem Solving: Phase One Status Report," the plan will be presented at public hearings throughout October. "I built (my home) hoping it would stay that way," said Dave Sundet, whose house overlooks Hillcrest Orchards in east Medford. The regional plan recommends the orchard be retained as open space. On the other side of the issue is John Caster of McMinnville, who owns property designated as farmland east of Upton Road in Central Point. "The property is fairly small. We've had an awful time finding someone that would farm it for us," said Caster, whose land would retain its designation under the plan. "It takes more than land classes to make it farmable." Central Point School District has approached Caster about purchasing the site that is across from district property. "I would like some options. Basically, what we are doing is providing green space and a view for people who have largely developed their land," he said. Such debate is likely to continue as city councils, planning commissions, landowners and the public get an opportunity to review and comment on the first phase of the plan. The second phase, which includes agreements on land categories, may encounter even more political difficulties, predicted Michael Cavallaro, Rogue Valley Council of Governments executive director. He characterized the first stage as technical. The 60-page report shows areas of growth and no growth, open space, buffers between cities, and agriculture and forestlands. It also addresses jobs, housing and infrastructure issues that will affect growth. Representatives from Jackson County, Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point, Jacksonville, Medford, Phoenix, Talent, White City, the Medford Water Commission and the Bear Creek Valley Sanitary Authority took part in the plan's creation. RVCOG coordinated the effort. State legislation from 1996 encourages jurisdictions to develop plans with recognition of their interdependence on others. Population projections based on the 2000 census estimate Jackson County will have 303,00 people by 2050, a 67 percent increase over the current 181,000. Growth estimates range from four-fold in Eagle Point to 36 percent in Ashland. Medford is projected to increase 76 percent to 111,000. Nine assumptions on growth, land use and state planning underlie the work of the initial phase. "I don't know how much of it we can actually do with the funding that is available," said Medford Mayor Lindsay Berryman, a policy committee member. "We'd have to look at what we can do and then what we'd like to do. (We'd complete) the priority issues first and then address some of the secondary issues." The Legislature appropriated $75,000 for the current fiscal year's planning effort and no money for next year. The first phase was financed by $120,000 of state funds and in-kind work and material support from jurisdictions totaling more than $200,000. Among suggestions in the report are: Creation of buffer areas between communities to retain identity. Seven proposed buffers range from 3,400 to 254 acres. Designation of potential growth areas. The largest areas are adjacent to Medford, Central Point, White City and Eagle Point. The smallest are by Talent and Ashland. A greater effort to balance housing and jobs in communities to reduce the "bedroom community" effect and thus cut back on vehicle travel. Under one formula, Talent has a deficit of 55 percent in recommended jobs, while Medford has a 39 percent surplus. "We are trying to plan for the common good, for the best future of the valley, " said Cavallaro. "What pleases me is there is enough land appropriate for growth that we don't have to grow into our best farmlands and space that separate the communities." Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.