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Manor, neighbors appeal decision Council will hear from both sides By JIM DAVIS A Rogue Valley Manor plan to add a large tract of commercial property and build an Alzheimer's unit goes under the microscope again today in a public hearing before the Medford City Council. Two neighbors and the Manor itself have filed appeals to a Medford Planning Commission decision last month to allow the development to go ahead with restrictions. The Manor proposed the planned-unit development last spring and originally included a 22-acre commercial complex and plans for a hotel, conference center, 10-story office building and restaurant. The Planning Commission's decision limited the amount of commercial development because of heavy traffic in south Medford and tacked on restrictions to the Alzheimer's unit in answer to neighbors' concerns. In its appeal, the Manor argues that the Planning Commission erred by not approving the entire commercial project and allowing it to be built as traffic concerns ease. The Manor also argues that the commission didn't have the evidence to support requiring a 99-foot setback of three medical facilities from neighbors. Two neighbors _ Richard Robbins, who lives on Jessica Circle, and Curtis Weaver, who lives on Nieto Way _ say in their appeals that the Alzheimer's unit wasn't proven to be in the public's interest. They say the Manor revised its plans without allowing time for neighbors' rebuttals. Neighbors Barbara Newell and her husband John have gathered a petition signed by 100 neighbors in support of Robbins' and Weaver's appeals. Newell said she and her neighbors would face falling property values if the Alzheimer's unit is built because building the unit would amount to adding commercial property in the back of the neighborhood. Medford City Attorney Gene Hart said the City Council must determine whether a legal error occurred and whether there is sufficient evidence to support the Planning Commission's decision. He said anyone who testified in the initial hearings on the Manor can testify at Thursday's meeting. He said that time limits may be placed on statements. The matter can be appealed beyond the council, first to the state Land Use Board of Appeals and then to the courts. The Manor is a nonprofit "life-care facility" that provides a variety of residences, health care and activities, to more than 700 older people. Manor hearing What : Medford City Council hearing on three appeals of Rogue Valley Manor development plan When : noon today Where : council chambers, Medford City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA