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Ashland predicts expansion of only 4% Other cities in Jackson County expect considerably greater increases in the same span By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune ASHLAND - While other Rogue Valley cities project that their footprint will grow from 23 to 271 percent over the next 50 years, Ashland predicts a paltry 4 percent growth in physical size. The city may add just 160 acres beyond its current 4,173 acres and 604 acres within its urban-growth boundary. "It's a relatively small area compared to most cities in the valley," said Ashland Planning Director John McLaughlin. "Our approach is to try to accommodate all growth in the current urban-growth boundary. We rezone for higher densities and more infill." Ashland, Jackson County, Central Point, Eagle Point, Jacksonville, Medford, Phoenix and Talent are looking ahead in a project coordinated by the Rogue Valley Council of Governments. Oregon's 1996 Legislature mandated the process. City councils, planning commissions and citizens have been offering feedback on growth proposals in a first phase status report titled Greater Bear Creek Valley Regional Problem Solving. Eagle Point has submitted a proposal for 4,524 acres beyond its current 1,669 - a 271 percent increase. Medford has submitted a 23 percent increase of 3,378 acres for the second-lowest percentage increase. Other growth projections include Central Point, 3,057 acres, 140 percent; Jacksonville, 654 acres, 55 percent; Phoenix, 841 acres, 83 percent; and Talent, 217 acres, 26 percent. Proposals are under review by a technical committee. "I imagine they will recommend some and not recommend others," said Mike Cavallaro, RVCOG director. "There will also be recommendations from state agencies and citizens committees." Technical analysis should be completed by late April. A policy committee is expected to begin deliberations on the recommendations in July. A six- to eight-month process between cities and the policy group will ensue, said Cavallaro. Two areas are designated for future land needs in Ashland. A 91-acre triangular piece in the southeast part of town is bordered by Tolman Creek Road to the west, Tolman Creek on the south and east, and Highway 99 to the north. It is on a hillside that now includes homes and ranches. A separate 69-acre area runs from Tolman Creek Road west along the north side of East Main Street to Mallard Street. The area is on a bluff above Bear Creek. A few homes, a ranch and Ashland School District's Willow Wind Community Learning Center are in the area. Land uses in the areas won't be designated any time soon, if they are at all. "Use hasn't been specified yet," said Cavallaro. "That's more a city decision." Ashland's urban-growth boundary includes land that could be annexed into the city within the next 20 years to meet commercial and housing needs. State land-use planning laws require that cities designate such growth areas. Two major areas are within the present growth boundary. One incorporates commercial land along both sides of Highway 99 northwest of current city limits and land east of Ashland Mine Road. A second is south of East Main Street across from the bluff area between the Chautauqua Trace housing development and Ashland Middle School. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.