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Jacksonville adopts growth boundary By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE - The wait may be over for some property owners wanting to subdivide. After years of discussion, studies and public hearings, the City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a new urban growth boundary, the line that determines how far out the city can grow. It now goes to the state Department of Land Conservation and Development for approval, which council members expect within the next few months. "It's a monumental step of moving our urban growth boundary out to our city limits" and beyond, said City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen. The boundary encompasses three sections outside the city limits located near Shafer Road, South Third Street and Hill Street. The city has been working with Jackson County and the DLCD to add 455 acres to its urban growth boundary in preparation for business and residential development. With its population at 2,127 in 2000, Jacksonville is predicted to have 3,200 residents by the year 2015. UGBs are generally outside of city limits, Wyntergreen said, but for the past 15 years, Jacksonville's boundaries have been much within the city limits. "It's the result of a lawsuit in the mid-'80s that caused (the city) to retract its boundaries," he said. "It was a case that Jacksonville had too much land for its urban growth needs." Jacksonville was the only city in the state with its UGB inside the city limits. Now property owners who have been waiting to develop their land may proceed after state approval. Ruth Houser is among those whose property will be brought into the new boundary. "We're pleased with the decision," she said. "I think it is very, very, very long overdue." The new zoning will allow Ruth and Dwight Houser to subdivide their 10 acres into one-acre parcels, which was part of their retirement plan when they bought the Wells Fargo Loop property 10 years ago. She says she and her husband plan to remain on the property that is within walking distance to downtown. "I'm very glad to have it complete," said Wyntergreen, adding that before the new boundary, discussion about such issues as commercial growth, transportation, traffic and regional problem solving was limited. "It puts us in a planning posture which is closer to normal," he said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.