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Since You Asked: Central Point acquired land to redevelop after Greenway fires Oct 30, 2022 12:45 AM A A Medford City Council has passed a handful of ordinances since last fall transferring ownership and maintenance responsibilities for nearly 17 acres of land, formerly owned by Medford, to the city of Central Point: a 13.91-acre parcel in November 2021 and 2.55 acres in more recent weeks. What will the land be used for? — Robert S., via email Following the devastating Almeda Fire in September 2020, local jurisdictions got to work almost immediately planning for future fire readiness, as well as devising ways to better utilize and protect the now-charred acres of land. Long riddled with overgrown blackberries, trash, crime and illegal camps in cities throughout the region, the Bear Creek Greenway provided a fuel path for the Almeda Fire — and many other fires before and since. Matt Samitore, Central Point public works director, said a fire the day after the Almeda Fire raged from Medford to Central Point in a mere 22 minutes. Trees — over 200 small ones were removed immediately following the fire — lit up like Roman candles during the fire. Many of the trees would reignite for days after the initial flames and evacuation orders. Samitore said cleanup and redesign efforts began in the weeks and months to follow, including navigation of jurisdictional transfers for parcels of land, located in or adjacent to the city but owned by the city of Medford, ODOT or Jackson County. With the area formerly known for illegal camping and other nefarious activities now cleared, by both fire and cleanup efforts, opportunity arose for the city to incorporate new uses while mitigating future fire risk levels. For the city’s part, Samitore said master planning for the project, which will include both active and passive park space uses, will commence in 2023, with construction slated to occur by 2027. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by email to [email protected].