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MEDFORD Mahar wins, Hillcrest loses in growth plan for Medford Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 15, 2015 at 5:29 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 15, 2015 at 5:29 PM » Social News A divided Medford Planning Commission on Thursday shifted about 175 acres eyed for future development to allow Mahar Homes to bring in land near Cherry Lane that would also provide access for a community walking and bike path. On a 4-3 vote, the planning commission agreed to remove a portion of property owned by several landowners, including the Carpenter family, that is to the west of Foothill Road and north of Delta Waters. City planners have reviewed 4,400 acres of possible growth areas surrounding the city, but narrowed it down to 1,669 acres that could accommodate 20 years of growth. Local developers, including Mahar Homes, complained to the city that their properties were being left out. The commission also removed about 175 acres from Hillcrest Orchards off Hillcrest Road after 1000 Friends of Oregon sent a letter that described the overall number of acres the city had proposed as “excessive.” With the exclusion of much of Hillcrest Orchards, the city is now asking for about 1,500 acres. “That’s not good news,” said Jack Day, who is part of a family that owns Hillcrest. “We’ve been fighting for this for years.” Day said his property, which contains orchards and vineyards, is essentially an island of unincorporated land within the city. He said sewer lines that service other parts of east Medford traverse his family’s property. The Carpenter family could not be reached for comment Friday. The planning commission is one of the first stops in approving the city's expansion plan, known as the Urban Growth Boundary Amendment. It will ultimately require approval from the state Land Conservation and Development Commission. The commission’s recommendation will eventually be forwarded to the City Council as one step in a lengthy process to add land for development to Medford to provide enough space to expand for the next 20 years. Commission Chairman Dave McFadden voiced strong support for Mahar Homes, whose representatives were among the several developers lobbying to be included at a recent public hearing. The Mahar property is to the west of Foothill Road between Cherry Lane and Barnett Road. Medford planning staff gave the Mahar property a low score because it is located farther away from the city core and would require additional effort to bring services such as sewer and water. McFadden said the Mahar property, to the south of Cherry Lane and to the north of Barnett Road, is critical to extending a sewer line to serve other properties currently within the city. The property is also critical to completion of the Larson Creek Trail system that will eventually connect the Bear Creek Greenway with Chrissy Park on the flanks of Roxy Ann Peak, he said. “I would like to enable the trail,” he said. McFadden suggested taking out 175 acres from the properties located north of Delta Waters to make room for Mahar's property. Other commissioners were not convinced. Planning commissioner Mark McKechnie said he didn’t think the Mahar site would offer the kind of residential density the city needs. “That’s kind of a poor choice,” he said. “I think we need to look at increasing the density overall.” McKechnie said he questioned the viability of the proposed commercial areas within the Mahar property. “I find it hard to believe anybody’s going to take that commercial lot that is way off the beaten path,” he said. McKechnie voted against inclusion of the Mahar property along with commissioners Bill Mansfield and Alex Schwimmer. Commissioner Jared Pulver said he agreed with McFadden that the Mahar property is critical to the city’s long-range plans. “If it’s not brought in, the trail won’t get built,” he said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 15, 2015 at 5:29 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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