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47 °F Forecast | Road Cams Tuesday, April 20, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend April 7, 2004 DeBoer appeal gets half a hearing Ashland residents who favor plans for a hillside home were heard Tuesday; those opposed will get a chance Thursday By STEVE ZIMMERMAN for the Mail Tribune ASHLAND — The pro-DeBoer house faction had its say Tuesday night before the City Council. Those opposed will have their turn when the meeting continues Thursday at 6 p.m. The Sid and Karen DeBoer home, to be built on the site of an existing structure on Glenview Drive above the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, has been the topic of debate before a number of city commissions. Tuesday, it was residents’ turn to appear before the council to voice their support and opposition. Ashland Mayor Alan DeBoer recused himself because he is Sid DeBoer’s brother. Councilwoman Cate Hartzell presided over the meeting. Bill Street, one of the original appellants, asked to be dropped from the appeal. Then he accused council member Chris Hearn of being biased toward the project and asked that Hearn recuse himself from the discussion and vote. That request was denied by the council after Hearn defended himself from the charges. Advertisement Attorney Gary Peterson, representing the DeBoers, said he was concerned that Hartzell could not be fair and impartial toward the project. He also questioned whether the council has any standing to hear the appeal. According to a ruling by City Attorney Paul Nolte, who was not present at the meeting, the appeal qualified as a Phase 2 procedure and could be appealed to the council. He had previously ruled that the decision of the Planning Commission’s Hearings Board was final. Once all the legalities were out of the way, Craig Stone, speaking for the DeBoers, reiterated their contention that the home met all code requirements when the application was filed. During the public hearing portion of the meeting, 14 members of the community spoke in favor of the project. "America stands for private ownership," Doug Forsythe said. "My home belongs to me, not the historic commission." William Sowers, who has lived in Ashland since 1978, said he does not like the attitude of some Ashland residents. "This town is a lot more negative and divisive than in the past," he noted. "I ask you (the council) to look at the plans as being reasonable, definite and not phony." Craig Pennington spoke for many in favor of building the home when he talked about the long-term effect the home will have on Ashland. "I believe that 100 years from now, residents will marvel at the beauty of this home," he said. Thursday’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Ashland Civic Center. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times