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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 24, 2006 Commission OKs Rogue River development Developer says he can't figure out what the city wants; some commissioners express frustration By Sanne SPecht Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — By a 3-1 vote, the Rogue River Planning Commission granted conditional approval Tuesday to a controversial residential housing development near downtown. After three public hearings, one study session and a statement of support from the Rogue River School District, the commissioners approved a multi-unit development on 13.5 acres on Foothill Boulevard, west of West Evans Creek Road. The City Council must approve the project before construction can begin. Planning Chairman Bill Jones cast the lone dissenting vote on the proposal from McAndrews Properties LLC of Medford to reduce the number housing units from 102 to 84. In addition to his concerns about the development's impact on roads, water supply, sewers, traffic and parking, Jones said the committee was being asked to consider an incomplete application. Advertisement "We need to have a tentative plan (for the development) before we make a ruling," he said. The design is being changed to eliminate triplexes and fourplexes because community members and area real estate agents opposed the development in its larger version during a July public hearing, said Medford land-use planner Mike LaNier, who spoke for the developers. "They not only said 'No,' but they said 'Heck, no,' " said LaNier, adding his client was trying to make the development "a wholesome part of the community." Rogue River School District Superintendent Charles Hellman said the district supports the development, whatever its size. Hellman urged the commission to support growth in order to bolster declining enrollment in the district. Every student brings in approximately $5,000 in state and federal funding for the school district, he said. "Eighty homes may equal 40 students," said Hellman. "And 40 students equals $200,000 (for the district.)" Patty Luttrell, who sells real estate in Rogue River, said she liked the smaller design, which eliminates two-story dwellings and increases open spaces and walking paths. "This has more of an overall feeling of a well-planned development," said Luttrell. Developer Gary Whittle blamed city staff for confusion over how many units to put on the site. He said he has paid $34,000 in filing fees, and construction costs are rising while his project waits for approval. "We were pushed for higher density," said Whittle. "Now the community wants less density." City Planner Laurel Prairie-Kuntz disputed Whittle's statements. "The city is always just trying to get the best project," she said. "It's the applicant's responsibility to prove their application not only meets the city's approval, but is the best product available for this property." Some people came to the meeting to support the development, but others voiced concerns about increased traffic no matter what size is proposed. "I'm here for a lot of people who are afraid to come up and say how they feel," said resident Michelle Brooks. Luttrell, the real estate agent, also said the development's plan for privately-maintained streets is causing concern because a homeowners association might not be able to pay for year-to-year repair and maintenance. Others said the homes' price tags — estimated at $300,000 and higher — place them out of reach for those who have been presented as potential buyers. "If it was a housing development that young families or seniors could afford, that would be great," said Sherry Harkness, a local business owner. Whittle and LaNier repeatedly asked the commission to give them guidance on which plan was more to their liking. "We've never been deemed complete in anything we've submitted," said Whittle."Now we're back in a pond fishing in the dark." Commissioner Don Ayriss supported the project and appeared impatient with his fellow commissioners and staff. "We went through this whole thing two weeks ago," said Ayriss. Commissioner Darlene Edwards also appeared frustrated with the process. "Can we just tell them what we want?" she said. "You can only drag a cat around the street for so long." The proposal will go before the City Council for approval in September, said Prairie-Kuntz. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or at [email protected] Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews