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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend May 22, 2005 Developers threaten suit if Medford won’t speed reviews By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune Developers who often wait four to six months for final approval on subdivisions are demanding a speedier process from the city of Medford. Attorney Sydnee Dreyer said her client, developer John Schleining, should only have to wait a couple of weeks, not several months, for final plat approval for his proposed residential development, Vista Pointe, off East McAndrews Road. He submitted four plat proposals in January and is still awaiting approval, she said. "The city should come up with an expedited review," said Dreyer, adding that her client is paying millions of dollars in loan interest fees while waiting. Dreyer was among several developers, attorneys and interested parties who approached the Medford City Council during Thursday’s noon meeting to plead for a change in the lengthy plat review process in the city. Alan Harper, an attorney representing PacTrend and DeCarlow Homes among others, told the council there would be lawsuits if the process didn’t accelerate. Advertisement City staff agreed the plat process needs improvements. The plat is the final legal document that creates lots, and Public Works Director Cory Crebbin acknowledged that the process drags on. Crebbin said the plat proposal has to be reviewed by engineers, surveyors, planners, the city attorney, banks, developers and others. "I think the process needs to be simplified," said Crebbin, adding that ordinance changes may be in order. "It’s a complicated process that takes too long," said Crebbin. Sometimes the developer is waiting on the city, sometimes the city is waiting on the developer, and there’s a lot of back-and-forth between them. "Final plat needs a team," he said. He said many steps, such as handling easements, get addressed during the final plat process, and some of those steps could be addressed earlier. The council determined that staff and developers should meet, discuss the issues and come back to the council with suggested improvements. "The plat processing system is taking way too long," said Jim Kuntz, Medford councilman. "These people are unhappy because they’re paying interest on money." The problem would not be solved merely by hiring additional staff, he said. "Part of it’s a staffing issue and part of it’s a process issue," said Kuntz, adding that staff ought to look at other cities that do it well for suggestions. "It’s supposed to take a couple of weeks and it’s taking five or six months. This is not something that’s close," he said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Advertisement s