Climate-Friendly Areas Evaluation Report

Medford Climate Friendly Area Study – Evalua Ɵon of Candidate Loca Ɵons Revised December 2023 13 Housing development in downtown Medford has long been a priority for the City. Despite the financial support provided by the Medford Urban Renewal Agency, residential development has been slow. Nevertheless, the first new market rate housing development built in downtown in decades will be comple ted late this year (2023), adding 62 new homes in downtown. Although the developer elected to construct 15 tuck-under parking spaces, no off-street parking was required for this developme nt. The three story building provides a mix of unit types at a density of nearly 135 DU/net acre. Land Area (145 acres calculated to meet 30 pe rcent of existing and needed housing units) Subarea A1, A2 and A3 has a total of 268.29 acres. The 145 acres needed can be accommodated in A1. Additional CFAs (so-called secondary CFAs) could be located in areas A2 and/or A3. Land Width (Meets mini mum 750 foot width) Yes, the downtown area exceeds this requirement. Are there abutting high intensity residential or employment uses that could be included as part of the CFA? The downtown core includes several multip le family apartment complexes (one under construction – 62 dwelling units) and both government and private employers are located within the study area. The CFA, however, is surrounded by established residential neighborhoods that feature a mix of pre-wa r single family detached homes and middle housing types. Although these neighborhood s have a higher average density than newer neighborhoods in some parts of the City, thei r overall densities are low relative to those required of “abutting residenti al or employment-oriented zo ned areas within a half-mile walking distance of a mixed-use area zoned” by OAR 660-012-0320(3)(b). Are parks, plazas, or open space areas located within or near the CFA? Yes, there are three public parks and two plaz as as well as a portion of the Bear Creek Greenway located within the study area. Are public-serving government facili ties located within the CFA? Yes, there are city and county government admini strative operations are located within downtown as well as other public instit utions. Medford City Hall, Medford Water Commission, Medford Police Department, Jackso n County administrative and public health offices, Jackson County Public Library, Jackso n County Courthouse, and the Southern Oregon University/Rogue Community College Higher Educ ation Center are in close proximity to one another. Current status and feasibility of needed upgrades to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities and services? The majority of streets have widened sidewa lks with planter strips or street trees. Several main streets like 10th Street have dedicated bicycle lanes. Main Street has been