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FROM THE COUNCIL From the Council: Growth boundary debate quiet, but critical By Michael Zarosinski MailTribune.com By Michael Zarosinski Posted Nov. 1, 2015 @ 12:01 am By Michael Zarosinski Posted Nov. 1, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Of the many issues in front of the Medford City Council right now, one that will have a significant impact on our community over the next couple of decades, but has not gotten much attention, is the urban growth boundary amendment. Oregon has a unique and somewhat restrictive land use planning system and the urban growth boundary defines where growth will occur for both employment and housing needs. In the abstract, the urban growth boundary (UGB) is intended to protect our resource and agriculture lands while allowing for the development of urban land in a compact and efficient form. However, such a regulated system has the unintended consequence of creating “winners and losers” in what lands ultimately are included for urban use and has more than its share of controversy. As a general refresher, in 1973 Oregon adopted a “second generation” system of state land planning with the passage of Senate Bill 100. The basis of that bill is that communities would prepare a comprehensive plan in accordance with general state goals, whereby local communities have responsibility for land use decisions within the framework of a state level public interest. The comprehensive plan is just that — comprehensive. In simple terms it is a document that considers a variety of issues important to a community and sets the framework for the physical development of the city. A few of the elements considered in Medford’s plan include population, economics, housing needs and transportation systems. With consideration of those items and others, a General Land Use Plan Map (GLUP Map) is created, which physically shows where residential, commercial, industrial and parks land are today, and will be in the future. The future is a 20-year period of time and land made available for that is what we call the UGB. While it has been challenged in court and by direct legislation, we still have the same basic land use planning system enacted in 1973 and have to play within those rules. We do have an advantage in that a larger regional problem solving process has already been completed (1995-2012) determining what lands we will grow into over the next 50 years. However, over the next 20 we can bring in only a finite amount of that land and not everyone who wants in the UGB will get their wish. There is considerable incentive to have land in the UGB as the value per acre is two to three times that of similar farmland in the county. With so much at stake, there has been considerable testimony lauding the merits of some properties, and also disparagement of others. In the end, it comes down to a question of values and what we as a city believe are the most appropriate lands to grow into over the next two decades. Non-inclusion is not an indictment on any property, but simply a decision on priorities. Of course not everyone will agree and this is a process that allows ample opportunity to raise challenges. Unfortunately this can drag out over years, such as the case of Bend which initially submitted an UGB proposal in 2009 and is still working out issues today while also dealing with the repercussions of a lack of available housing. While we have taken care to avoid problems that have plagued other communities in similar situations, there is no way to fully satisfy everyone and we will run the risk of appeal. While no appeal or challenge is guaranteed a change in outcome, it would affect how much land is available in the near future (and possibly longer) for development. Although the irony of the latter is apparent, we will protect ourselves by making a decision based on facts, statutory requirements, and what we believe are the most appropriate choices for the community. In addition, this is one time when we might take a page from the Portland Metro playbook and develop a policy of UGB review and adjustment every six years. While Portland has expanded its boundaries dozens of times since it was first drawn, this is only Medford’s second adjustment. Such a policy would help eliminate some of the desperation of the process and allow us to respond to land needs as development occurs. Maybe this whole thing does not have to be winner take all. Michael Zarosinski is a member of the Medford City Council. The views expressed in this piece are the individual's and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of the City Council. By Michael Zarosinski MailTribune.com By Michael Zarosinski Posted Nov. 1, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » 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. 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. 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