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OnTrack's zoning change advances By JIM DAVIS A controversial expansion of an east Medford alcohol and drug treatment center moved a step closer to reality on Thursday night. As more than 100 people looked on, the Medford Planning Commission voted 5-2 to approve a zone change request by OnTrack Inc., the latest step in getting the final nod for the project. "We're disappointed, but not surprised," said Diana Pierle, an opponent of the expansion. "We're just getting ready for the next round." OnTrack director Rita Sullivan attended the hearing, but left without speaking to reporters. The plan calls for adding 3,500 square feet to the common area of the existing center at 3397 Delta Waters Road, allowing the addition of 10 beds to the facility, which now serves up to 27 women. OnTrack still needs to get a conditional-use permit before the expansion is allowed. The expansion issue has been a contentious one. In 1996, a City Council majority approved a land-use designation change from urban residential to high-density residential. That change allowed OnTrack to apply for multiple-family zoning and then seek a permit to expand the facility. At the time, neighbors organized and recalled Councilman Mike Borwick because he voted for the change. OnTrack took the zone-change request to the commission two weeks ago. To obtain the zone change, OnTrack needed to prove that the center wouldn't put a strain on the city's water lines, storm drains, sewers and streets. On Thursday night, 16 people who lived near the center testified against the request. Most of the opponents argued that the center would adversely affect traffic, despite reports to the contrary from the Oregon Department of Transportation. "Someone really needs to go out and take a look at the traffic and not just rely on a technical-impact survey," said neighbor Chris Reinert. Geneve Spencer said she knows that OnTrack residents are not allowed to drive. "There's got to be additional traffic -- deliveries, staff and visitors," Spencer said. Opponents also worried that OnTrack wasn't being truthful. "OnTrack Inc. has attempted to put the planning commission and ODOT to sleep by minimizing their true plans on the issue," said George Brooks, a neighbor. One speaker delivered a letter with 213 signatures opposing the center. After the meeting, several of the neighbors said they were not ready to put up the white flag. "We're not giving up the fight," Kathy Brooks said. "We will be at the (conditional-use permit hearing) in force." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA