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Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2018-06-27

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I can’t help but continue to wonder what the landscaping plan is for Biddle Road. The power transmission poles in the median strip would be easier to ignore if the deformed and dying pines and hazardous river rock were replaced by attractive, low-growing trees and irrigated ground cover. There is a plan, right? — Dayne B., Medford Those median strips have seen better days, Dayne. That stretch of Biddle could be quite attractive if the landscaping were improved. A Since You Asked executive walked along Biddle the other day, and there’s a nice walkway on the west side overlooking an irrigation ditch next to the freeway. A homeless couple appeared to be relaxing on the banks, enjoying the artificial water feature. We checked in with the city of Medford, and we’re happy to report that plans are in the works to tackle the median strips in the next budget cycle. The city’s still working out details, so we’ll let readers know when plans are developed. The Biddle Road median is maintained by Medford parks. Funding for right-of-way maintenance throughout the city is collected from the parks maintenance utility fee. The money collected pays for right-of-way maintenance but isn’t sufficient for major right-of-way improvements. According to city officials, they are aware of the need for improvements to the Biddle Road median strip. The issue will be brought up by the Budget Committee. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them.