Document text
Twin Creeks recognized for 'smart growth' Central Point residential area wins recognition for its attention to livability By BUFFY POLLOCK for the Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT - More than two years of hard-core planning, dozens of community meetings and a few leaps of faith have paid off with a high-profile honor. It's a sort of anniversary gift, said planning director Tom Humphrey, for the Twin Creeks "transit oriented design" (TOD), approved one year ago this month despite some initial skepticism. "We are now among an elite group that is doing these (TOD developments)," he said. "For us, this was recognition and endorsement that the city is promoting smart growth and livable communities." Somewhat of a new concept to Southern Oregon, the goals of "smart growth" are to reduce traffic and dependency on cars while using land more efficiently and improving the quality of life. To accomplish this, cities zone land as high-density residential; allow developments to combine residential, retail and commercial spaces; and incorporate a variety of housing types close together for a diverse mix of residents. The annual Ahwahnee Awards chose the local project as one of 11 winners for 2001-02. The awards were established in 1991 by the nonprofit Local Government Commission (www.lgc.org) in Sacramento to recognize exemplary projects that further livable communities in 14 western states. The project was chosen from 83 submissions and will be recognized Jan. 26 at a "New Partners for Smart Growth" conference in San Diego. It also will be featured in a "model project" write-up to be distributed at the conference. Humphrey said he submitted the Twin Creeks plan for review because he wanted the community to be more aware of the unique development taking place in the city, an idea even the City Council took some time warming up to. Specific features of Central Point's Twin Creeks are, a 230-acre mixed-use development, include: Seven distinct but interconnected neighborhoods with highest residential densities near a central green and transit core; Several two-to-four story buildings with ground floor retail and commercial with residences upstairs; Housing designed to accommodate a wide range of income levels and ages - including senior housing; All residents live within five minutes of interconnecting neighborhoods and within 10 minutes of a transit stop, neighborhood commercial services and employment opportunities; and, 50 acres of parks and open space distributed throughout the development. In addition to the planned development, several public improvements will be triggered by Twin Creeks' different phases, such as improvements to the Pine Street railroad crossing and Highway 99 intersection, a new crossing around the vicinity of Crater High School, and restoration of Griffin and Jackson creeks. "Because this is a master plan we're not just looking at this independent of the rest of the city. We're looking at it all as part of the overall master plan," Humphrey said. Griffin Oaks, Twin Creeks' first phase, is currently being built off Taylor Road and will incorporate older design concepts, such as lots served by alleys. "It's not new but it's new to us and it really situates the architecture of the house and makes it look like a home again and not just a giant garage," said community planner Matt Samitore. Other phases will be built out gradually over 10 to 12 years, Humphrey said. The overall plan is considered one of the largest multiuse projects in the state. "We're doing something that's going to preserve agriculture by delaying our need to expand the urban growth boundary," said Humphrey. Humphrey said recognition was due not only to the city but to the several groups involved in the city's master plan and planning of the overall project including W.L. Moore Construction, Quality Fence, Rogue Valley Council of Governments and School District 6, which helped in the selection of a potential new school site. Humphrey will travel to San Diego along with Councilwoman Kay Harrison and the developers for the January conference when the award will be presented to the city. Buffy Pollock is a free-lance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.