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Project plans mixed uses Croman site development would include 'smart growth' By TONY BOOM ASHLAND - City officials next week will study a mixed-use development at the Croman mill site that could help ease a local crunch on affordable housing and commercial space. A church, school, tourist railroad station, housing, light industry and office space all may be mixed together on the 60-acre former sawmill site. Developers hope to incorporate "smart growth" concepts. Smart growth includes mixed uses, compact buildings, transportation links and design detail to create community identity. At least 50 units that meet the city's affordable housing guidelines would be developed. City mortgage assistance programs kick in when, for instance, a three-bedroom home sells for less than $121,000 - Ashland's hot real estate market has no such homes anywhere near that price. The proposed development would have an additional 100 to 150 homes not eligible for such assistance. Neighborhood stores are included in the plans. Galpin LLC of Medford will present a concept for the former Croman mill site in south Ashland at a study session with the City Council and the planning commission at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The company has applied to change the site's zoning from industrial to categories that would allow the residential and commercial development. Urbs-works of Portland, the project's designer, will present a proposed master plan at the session. "We've tried to incorporate many elements that will make it a very desirable place to live and work and meet the standards that the city and the people want," said Bill Barchet, who is handling the purchase and is a project coordinator. One of the first developments at the site, on six acres, could be a retirement center with an Alzheimer's unit, said Barchet. Developers have discussed the center with a Portland-area retirement housing operator. A church also has talked about relocating to the site with both a sanctuary and a private school that would serve preschool through eighth-grade kids. Some open space in the development might be used as playing fields adjacent to the school. Light industrial zoning would allow development of businesses along the railroad tracks. They could be buffers between the tracks and homes. As envisioned, the project would be a little over 50 percent residential. It would include townhouses and single-family homes on 3,500-square-foot lots. "On those parcels we are proposing smaller, cottage-style homes with the potential (for) home-based businesses," said Barchet. "Many more people are working out of their homes than when the comprehensive plan was developed 20 years ago." A train enthusiast has talked to developers about placing antique railroad cars at the site, which already has rail access. He suggested that he might put in a railroad museum and offer dinner trains through the Siskiyous and rail tours in the valley. A new access road off Siskiyou Boulevard between Mistletoe Road and Crowson Road would be built. A pond in that area would be preserved as a wetland. The Croman mill closed in 1995. Kaufman and Cross Logging owns the land. Galpin has a contract to purchase the property that could be rescinded if agreements with the city aren't secured, said Barchet. Water, sewer and electric service are already at the site. Environmental cleanup, if needed, will be the seller's obligation. "There's no indication of problems," said Barchet. "The mill expanded in the '80s. By then there were a lot of the current regulations and requirements in place." "We'd like to see it get started within a year," said Maurice Torano of Galpin. "Ashland has very little affordable housing. There's not many opportunities for small businesses to locate in the Ashland market." Galpin started work on the proposal last fall. Galpin developed the Eagle Point golf course area and new Albertson's stores in Medford and Central Point. It is presently building townhouses in Ashland. Galpin could sell parcels or develop buildings itself. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.