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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend July 24, 2005 Pressured to grow Measure 37 claims place Ashland in a tight spot By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune For 31 years, Willis Lee has watched the suburbs of Ashland edge closer and closer to his 23 acres perched on the eastern hills. Now, thanks to Measure 37, the 71-year-old resident may benefit from the development boom that’s hit Jackson County, getting approval from the county last week to split his property into five-acre lots. Considering the growth in the valley and Ashland, Lee doesn’t see his plan as controversial. "I don’t think the area’s the same anymore, anyway," he said. Increasingly surrounded by Measure 37 claims and other development proposals, Ashland is feeling the pressure to grow outward. That has led to a debate over whether the city should consider annexing some of the properties to have more control over the developments. Measure 37 requires that landowners be exempted or compensated for the effects of land-use restrictions created after the land was purchased. Advertisement "We are essentially getting threatened by these landowners," said City Councilman Russ Silbiger. "They say, ‘If you let us in we’ll play nice, and if not, the hell with you.’ " Despite considerable internal growth, Ashland has kept a tight noose around its border for years, choosing not to expand to help preserve its small-town feel. Unlike other cities in the valley, such as Central Point or Eagle Point, Ashland hasn’t budged much on its urban growth boundaries, creating tension between the city’s growth plans and the hopes of surrounding property owners. So far, 15 claims have been filed in the rural area around Ashland, including two for commercial developments near Interstate 5’s Exit 19, to the north of the city. In addition, two golf courses have been proposed that are not part of a Measure 37 claim. One is at the Billings Ranch to the north of Ashland, and another at property owned by Dom Provost, just to the south of the city. Tim Billings, spokesman for the Billings family, said he is still hoping to build a golf course on the property. "We’re kind of holding Measure 37 as a last resort," he said. The family prefers a golf course rather than building more houses. "We don’t want to add to the urban sprawl," he said. Mark and Joan Boyden also have filed a Measure 37 claim, theirs for a 437-acre resort-style development next to the Ashland airport. The development would feature an 18-hole golf course as well as 95 houses, 10 townhouses and a common area. The Boydens have said that if the city doesn’t annex the property they would abandon plans for the resort and instead divide the property into 88 parcels of about five acres each. Another property, owned by the William Pierson estate, sits on 250 acres off East Main Street next to Interstate 5. The property owners have already met with the city to discuss the possibility of annexation of some of the land. Eugene attorney David Force, whose wife, Rebecca, is the daughter of Pierson, said the family has wanted to do something with the property, which was bisected by Interstate 5 in the 1960’s. "The place will remain as is, or it’s going to be developed through a Measure 37 process in the future," he said. Force said the family hasn’t made any ultimatums to the city. "We would like to work with them," he said, referring to city officials. "We do feel that it would be appropriate that that portion of the Pierson place (on the west side of I-5)be within the city. It doesn’t make any sense to not have it there." City officials have remained philosophically opposed to major annexations, although they have taken in some smaller parcels. Last week, the city annexed a two-acre lot. One of the constraints, officials say, is a limited supply of water, which could prevent it from any major expansions. Silbiger said Ashland has become a victim of its own success. "We’ve created a great community and everybody wants to come here," he said. Silberger waves off criticisms of Ashland’s growth limits. "Fifteen years ago we were roundly laughed at for not wanting a Wal-Mart in town. Look what’s happening now. Medford doesn’t want it, neither does Central Point. We’re just ahead of our time." Ashland also doesn’t want the kind of rampant development that has overrun other parts of the nation. Referring to other communities in the county, he said, "They want to be L.A., and we don’t." City Councilman Dave Chapman says Ashland is being threatened by proposed developments. "It’s clearly an assault," he said. Chapman said the city hasn’t developed a plan to deal with the proposed developments. Although alarmed at the number of developments, he said, "It’s a shame, but you can’t blame folks for having a bunch of land and wanting to cash out." Ashland City Attorney Michael Franell said the city may need to discuss some of the proposals in order to at least have a some control. "Right now, there is nothing to stop someone from building a regional shopping center just outside Ashland," he said. Councilwoman Kate Jackson said some proposals, such as the Piersons, may be worth looking into. "At what point do we enter and say let’s make a deal?" she asked. She’s less open to the idea of considering properties farther out of the city. Referring to the Boydens’ property, she said, "That’s an unlikely location (for annexation)." She said officials don’t want the city to get so big that it encounters big city problems, like crime, traffic and the loss of a small-town feel. "We don’t want to be a town split by a freeway," she said. Jackson said she expects the council will discuss some of the development proposals, but added, "We haven’t as a council revised our views." Former Ashland Mayor Alan DeBoer said the development proposals outside the city limits shouldn’t cause the city to change its policies. "There is no pressing need to expand the urban growth boundary," he said. "They can’t force the city to take them in." He said there is ample land within the city limits that could be developed, and with restrictions on the availability of water, it wouldn’t be prudent to expand services. DeBoer said he believes many property owners are pursuing Measure 37 more vigorously because "... there’s attorneys and developers who are pushing people to make claims." But what most of them will find is that water, sewer and roads could be the limiting factor in actually developing the property. Medford attorney Alan Harper, who represents up to 30 property owners who have filed or will be filing Measure 37 claims, said every jurisdiction in the valley will end up having a debate about these pressures to grow. "Ashland is magnifying that discussion," said Harper, who said he hasn’t solicited property owners to file claims. Harper foresees the same problems occurring in Talent, Jacksonville and other communities surrounded by farmland. He said he has five clients who would like to strike a balance with cities over their proposed developments. "They’re saying, ‘Let’s all work together to do urban planning.’ That’s really the carrot for the city. The stick is to do something outside the city." DeBoer, on the other hand, said that despite the pressures of Measure 37, Ashland and other communities need to have some restrictions on growth. "If you don’t like land-use laws, go to Mexico," he said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail PRESSURED TO GROW ">[email protected] . Six major developments proposed near Ashland Several major developments have been proposed for the rural area around Ashland. Those include: A 437-acre resort-style development northeast of the Ashland airport, proposed by Joan and Mark Boyden. Owners have filed a Measure 37 claim, but hope to work with the city to build a golf course, 95 houses, 10 townhouses and an equestrian center. A 250-acre development next to East Main Street adjacent to Interstate 5. Proposed by the William Pierson family. No specific plans for the development have been made yet. Owners have contacted the city, but are considering filing a Measure 37 claim. A commercial development for an 18.4 acre parcel north of Valley View Road off Exit 19. The property is owned by Charles Kenney, Darrell Hinnewinkel and Reginald and Annette Breeze. They propose to build a tourist and welcome center on the property. A Measure 37 claim has been filed. A commercial and high density residential development on 70 acres south of Valley View Road at Exit 17. A Measure 37 claim has been filed by Velda Dickey. A golf course on 140 acres just north of Ashland on the east side of state Highway 99. The family that owns Billings Ranch has been working for several years to develop the course and adjacent homesites. No Measure 37 claim has been filed. A golf course and destination resort on 320 acres south of Ashland on the east side of I-5. Property owner Dom Provost has worked for 20 years to create the development. He hopes that legislation recently signed by the governor will finally allow him to start building the resort. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. 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