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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 9, 2005 Phoenix commission to consider Home Depot proposal By BUFFY POLLOCK for the Mail Tribune PHOENIX — Home Depot representatives will unveil plans for their new 103,000-square-foot store on North Phoenix Road when the Planning Commission meets Monday. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers at City Hall, 510 W. First St. If approved, the $8 million- to- $10 million project awaits a final agreement among Home Depot, the city and the Oregon Department of Transportation regarding a $40 million rebuilding of the Fern Valley Interstate 5 interchange to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic. "Assuming we get approval from the city of Phoenix, and we work things out with ODOT, we would immediately commence plans for the building," said Home Depot spokesman Brian Cannard. "We’re hoping to be into construction in four to five months" and be open by next fall, said Cannard. Advertisement The project was first proposed in March 2004 but was delayed by public concerns over traffic and safety at the failing intersection. The City Council approved rezoning the 19-acre piece of former agriculture land to commercial highway in December, citing a need for a bigger tax base and more jobs. ODOT first appealed the project because of concerns over the intersection, but it warmed to the idea after Home Depot, the city and other agencies kicked in $7 million toward the $40 million it would take to rebuild the intersection. Both Cannard and Phoenix Mayor Vicki Bear said talks were nearing a close with ODOT officials. Cannard said Home Depot representatives were also negotiating a major sewer extension for service to the site. Developer Bob Robertson said site plans for the store have changed little since the project was initially proposed. "The site plan is essentially the same site plan reviewed by the council several months ago," Robertson said. "There had been minor changes because of roadway discussions and we have submitted a revised site plan in recent months." Though a design for the new interchange has not been chosen, Robertson said, "ODOT has assured us that because we are submitting substantial funding toward the interchange, that the final outcome, or how it all turns out, will not affect development of the Home Depot site." Planning Commission member David Lewin said Monday’s meeting would give locals a look at the actual store design, its layout on the property, amount of parking and connections to surrounding roads. "We would likely make a motion on Monday (for approval), assuming we’re satisfied with the criteria," Lewin said. "Then there would be a 30-day opportunity for public input, and a final order." Lewin said public comment would be permitted — and encouraged — at Monday’s meeting. Buffy Pollock is a freelance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected]. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans Online Pharmacy tcg student loan consolidation Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Salvia Divinorum Advertisement s