Document text
City ferris wheel falls within law I was wondering about the ferris wheel behind Redrock Pizza on West Jackson Street in Medford. Isn't that in the city limits? Why is such a structure allowed there? Were the neighbors polled ahead of time to see if such a thing would be OK with them? I heard a rumor that the owners of the restaurant were thinking of buying the neighboring trailer park and turning it into a theme park. Is this true? I can't believe that such a thing would be allowed in a residential area. -- Cathy M., Medford So much for the theory that everybody loves a ferris wheel. You're right, Cathy. Redrock Pizza and its ferris wheel are in the city limits but ferris wheels and other recreational uses are permitted on land zoned for commercial use. City officials say Redrock owners Shannon and Pam Anderson got a building permit to put up the ferris wheel and an administrative permit for it from the city planning department. The ferris wheel is considered an accessory to the restaurant. "It is an acceptable use," says city planner George Rubaloff. The planning department did require the Andersons to arrange for parking to make up for spaces lost to the ferris wheel. It also specified where the ferris wheel could be placed. And the state had to inspect the ride before the Andersons could begin operating it. The city didn't have to hold a public hearing because no zone change was needed. Shannon Anderson says he discussed it with neighboring property owners before going to the city. He says they've been supportive. As for the theme park, Anderson said he has considered purchasing property next door to his business but declined to discuss his plans further. City officials said he has discussed the possibility of creating a theme park for children on land next to his business. If that land is zoned for commercial use, such a park would likely be permitted though it would have to go through a review process, Rubaloff said. The city does require buffer zones between such developments and residential areas. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA