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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend May 3, 2006 New twist in Jacksonville By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — A husband and wife team surprised the City Council on Tuesday by announcing they want to partner with the city and purchase the Cascade Christian School property for a combined retail and municipal development. The 20-year residents simply weren't sure how to open a dialog with the city, said Brooke Ashland. "We want to work with the city on the purchase of Cascade," she said. Ashland and her husband Mel told the Council and stunned crowd that they believe their plan would accommodate city needs to consolidate municipal services, protect open spaces, provide needed park land within city limits and provide the city with revenue. "We are the other bidder," said Mel Ashland, referring to Cascade negotiating team members references to unnamed developers interested in the 7.57-acre property located in the city's historic core. The Ashlands say their plan is to maintain the three historic buildings — the old Jacksonville School, the gymnasium and the annex — as well as the open spaces. "We want to put it back the way it was," said Brooke Ashland. "This is a win-win item." The various buildings would house the city's municipal services, retail shops and possibly a restaurant for her daughter who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she said. Property negotiations between the city and Cascade were scheduled to terminate May 1. But the Council approved a motion by Councilwoman Donna Schatz to extend the city's negotiations with Cascade for another 60 days in order to investigate the Ashland's development plan. The two-month extension will also allow other "shunned" developers who previously approached the city with plans only to be turned away due to current zoning restrictions a chance to restate their cases, said Councilman Bill Leep. "I don't want to wait another 60 days to find another person with a war chest," said Leep. Cascade board members on April 28 threatened to file a Measure 37 claim to increase their historic property's value to potential developers if they can't negotiate a deal with the city. Superintendent Ray Johnson on Friday said the matter had been researched with two attorneys and claims were being prepared. School Board Chairman Bill Geiger said on April 28 the city is dangerously close to a conflict of interest. Cascade originally purchased the property for between $250,000 and $300,000, Johnson said. The property - which includes six tax lots and 44,642 square feet of aging structures - is currently assessed by Jackson County at $1.25 million. The school needs to raise more than $9 million for its new school structures and properties which will be built in Medford, said Johnson. The city offered $3 million with structural and conditional contingencies which could significantly lower their offer. The city placed the property, which houses the old Jacksonville School, under special protection zoning on August 3, 1993 - less than a month after the school purchased the school property on July 16, 1993. The current zoning protects the historic property from general development. It also limits its usage - and price. In order to change the zoning, the school must have the approval of the city. Or, if the city declines, take their case to the Land Use Board of Appeals. The city has refused to discuss land use issues - including the desires of potential developers - with Cascade during the months-long negotiations only because state law prohibits them from doing so, said City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen. Several properties within the city of Jacksonville was zoned special protection at the time Cascade's zoning changed. Mel Ashland said Cascade does not want to proceed with its Measure 37 claim. Working a deal could end the threat, he said. If Cascade is victorious in its Measure 37 claim, it would be disastrous for they city and for Cascade, said Ashland. Wyntergreen said Cascade will have to meet "a very high burden of proof" in order to succeed in its claim. Brooke Ashland said she hoped the city would favor their offer and avoid the whole Measure 37 issue. Owning the Cascade property has been a longtime dream, she said. "I moved here and fell in love with the property," she said. "I wanted to buy it when it was for sale in the 90s but I had six kids to raise." The council will hear the details of the Ashland's plan at a public meeting no later than the June 6. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . 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