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Expo amphitheater irons out problems CLICK HERE for a larger view of the project (184 kb). By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT - Just imagine big-name performers appearing up to 12 times at year at the Jackson County Fairgrounds Expositon Park's proposed 5,800-seat outdoor amphitheater without creating a noise problem for neighbors. That's what Expo officials say they can accomplish by reorienting the amphitheater to point north, toward Interstate 5, instead of west, toward the city. Project funding is shy about 40 percent The proposed 5,800-seat outdoor amphitheater will cost an estimated $3 million, and Expo officials have collected an estimated 60 percent of what they need. The planning and infrastructure support will be partially funded with Oregon Lottery Funds through a grant from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. Lithia Motors gave $500,000 to ensure the name Lithia Motors Amphitheater will be attached to the structure for at least 10 years. The Friends of the Fair Foundation plans to raise $1.3 million this year through fund-raising events and donations. For more information or to make a donation, contact Leigh Johnson at 770-0161. Expo officials also are fine-tuning a traffic control plan. "I think, frankly, we've done an outstanding job in addressing the issues," said Expo director Chris Borovansky. "We're going to get one chance to do it right. We don't want that chance to go awry." Several berms, approximately 12-feet high and landscaped, will be built to deflect sound. "They've raised some good issues and I think we've addressed them in a positive way," he said. "We've considered our neighbors. We'll be within state guidelines." But some Central Point city officials disagree. Councilman Dave Gilmour said Expo officials have not provided him with any details on anticipated noise and mitigation, an issue he feels tops the potential traffic problems. "I have no idea what they've come up with," Gilmour said. "We're still in the holding pattern until we get more information." Borovansky said the board will meet next week to discuss a noise and traffic control plan. That information will then be presented to the Central Point City Council during a study session. The project will cost an estimated $3 million and will include private suites, executive patios, 1,900 fixed seats and sloped lawn seating. Borovansky said there would be 10 to 12 concerts per year. At other times, the amphitheater will be used for church services, graduations, lectures and corporate outings. Borovansky said once the noise and traffic control plans are in place, the land use permit process will begin. The amphitheater's 25-year-old plans originally called for a combination of an outdoor concert venue and a horse track. The Expo Park already has a conditional use permit for that project. However, fairground officials may be forced to amend the project's permit after the many changes. Borovansky said he doesn't know when ground will be broken, but hopes the project will be complete by 2003. Fair board members originally planned to break ground last summer. Gilmour said he wants information on the noise control plan as soon as possible so the city has time to review it. He also worries about how the Expo will enforce performers who break the rules and play too loud. "What happens if the noise level is excessive? What recourse do the citizens have?" he asked. "Is there going to be any kind of sanctions if the noise levels get too high?" County fairground, Expo park has come a long way In 1859, the first official Jackson County Fair was held in the Rogue Valley, although some believe it began earlier than that. Subsequent fairs were held at various locations, including a spot in south Medford at what is now Fred Meyer. In 1974, the county acquired approximately 250 acres of land east of Interstate 5 near Central Point and officially designated the site for the new Jackson County Fairground and Expo Park. In 1976, a master plan for long-term development within the fairgrounds was completed, calling for an outdoor amphitheater. In 1997, the Friends of the Fair Foundation was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Volunteers from the foundation's board of directors began actively seeking private donations to support various projects and long-term goals. In 2000, officials unveiled artist's renderings of the proposed 5,800-seat outdoor amphitheater. Central Point city officials objected to the project, fearing added traffic and noise in community. The project was delayed as traffic and noise engineers investigated the project's impact. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.