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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Since You Asked: Little demand for fish-cleaning station at Willow Lake ... Portland police chief resigns amid inquiry into shooting ... 3 die in Marion County shooting; suspect arrested ... Since You Asked: Little demand for fish-cleaning station at Willow Lake ... Portland police chief resigns amid inquiry into shooting ... 3 die in Marion County shooting; suspect arrested ... HOUSING Ashland development gets expansion OK Comment By Local report MailTribune.com By Local report Posted Jun. 27, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Local report Posted Jun. 27, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News The developers of Verde Village got the green light last week to begin the second phase of their energy-efficient subdivision off West Nevada Street in Ashland. Ashland City Council initially balked at possible changes to agreements that would allow fences and create less open space in the area than called for in the original agreement. The developers also asked for a change that would allow larger houses than the 2,500-square-foot structures initially planned, but they backed off of that in order to strike a deal in which they promised zero-energy ready homes certified by Earth Advantage prior to occupancy. Much of the conversation Tuesday centered around access to Bear Creek, which borders the property, with Councilor Carol Voisin proposing an amendment that would require a pathway through the subdivision for people to access the Greenway. The council stopped short of adopting that amendment, but suggested to staff that it would be desirable if possible. Councilor Greg Lemhouse, in voting for first reading approval of the changes to Verde Village, said innovation in terms of energy-efficiency is important enough to merit a compromise. The development is proposed to have a total of 53 homes. “I appreciate the original owners of this idea stuck with it. We have to be willing to be flexible. Change in agreements isn’t something that’s completely abnormal.” The new houses may be helpful in Ashland’s tight housing market, with prices mostly in the $300,000 range — not exactly affordable housing, but not prohibitive either, says co-developer Laz Ayala of KDA Homes. All houses in Verde Village will have south-facing solar, garden beds, an Earth Advantage platinum rating, high-efficiency HVAC, insulated windows and fresh-air exchange, according to the developer. Condos and cottages are already in and more are being built on the site. By Local report MailTribune.com By Local report Posted Jun. 27, 2016 at 12:01 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... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site 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. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501