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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend June 15, 2006 Commission discusses Helman baths By Robert Plain for the Mail Tribune ASHLAND — Future residents of a proposed subdivision on the historic Helman Baths property may get access to the hot, sulphurous water that feeds the pool there. The Ashland Planning Commission discussed the issue for a second time Tuesday night, agreeing to confine future deliberations to wording of an easement, or condition of approval, that would allow homeowners-association members to obtain ownership of or to use the spring or well that feeds the pool. The pool made the property an Ashland landmark in the first half of the 20th century. A proposed 18 single-family-unit subdivision in the 200 block of Otis Street will be considered at a third planning commission meeting on June 27. At issue is how to protect a hot spring that a majority of commission members agreed is the most significant natural feature on the property. The hot spring is on a proposed lot that would not be developed in the current proposal, however commissioners agreed it needs more permanent protection. Commissioner John Stromberg suggested a small swath of land where the spring bubbles to the surface in the form of a well head should be put in a conservation easement for the benefit of the future homeowners association. But Commissioner Pam Marsh thought having rights to a well head would do little beyond burden residents with the need to mow the lawn, because the water is funneled straight to the pool on the property. The issue will be decided at a later date. Devian Aguirre, developer for the aptly named Helman Springs subdivision, introduced the idea of a conservation easement at the onset of her testimony. An associate on the project, former planning commissioner Kerry KenCairn, participated in discussions with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy the day before the planning hearing but neither Aguirre nor KenCairn could say definitively how an easement for the well and its water would function. Robert Plain is a reporter for the Ashland Daily Tidings. He can be reached at 482-3456 or [email protected]. Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews