Climate-Friendly Areas Evaluation Report

Medford Climate Friendly Area Study – Evalua Ɵon of Candidate Loca Ɵons Revised December 2023 14 restriped to establish a two-way cycle track. The Bear Creek Greenway provides a north- south transportation and recreational facility that links commuter and recreational cyclists and pedestrians traveling from Ce ntral Point to Ashland. Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD)’s main transit station is located in Do wntown Medford and provides transit service throughout Medford and neighboring communities. Presence of identi fied hazard areas, and degree to wh ich hazard development requirements could restrict CFA zoning? Bear Creek is located on the east side of downtown and has a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Development within the floodway is di fficult and prohibited in almost all circumstances. Other areas identi fied in the SFHA may require a flood analysis, permits and construction to be one foot above base flood elevation or floodproofed. Many areas along the creek are already built but redevelopment can occur. The SFHA is mostly contained within the cha nnel of the waterway. Land within the SFHA would be considered if built in compliance with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CFA) standards and requirements. If contiguous, but outside city limits and within Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), can the area comply with OAR 60- 012-03109(e)(A)-(E)? Not applicable, the downtown area is within the city limits of Medford. Preliminary infrastructure evaluation – Water, sewer, or stormwater impediments to CFA level of development that would be challeng ing to address beyond the scope of capital improvement plans or improvements required with development? Subarea A1: Sanitary sewer infrastructure is bein g evaluated in more detail, but the preliminary assessment identi fies concerns with the age of pipes and their ability to handle increased development without signi ficant public and/or private investment. Stormwater collection facilitie s are generally adequate for anticipated development. There is one undersized pipe with capacity issues near Grape and 3rd Streets. Water lines have good pressure but are old. Fire flows are good. Subarea A2: The City is investing heavily in infras tructure improvements in this area. The “Liberty Park” neighborhood has been the focus of Medford Urban Renewal funded infrastructure projects over the past five years. Projects include a regional stormwater water quality facility that will enable signi ficant redevelopment within a sub basin that includes area A2; and sidewalk in fill. A north-south transmission line may be needed in the future in Riverside Avenue. Subarea A3: Existing sewer south of 12th Street has extra capacity. There is a need for upsizing some stormwater management lines. There is adequate fire flow from existing water lines. A north-south transmission line may be needed in the future in Riverside Avenue. Is there potential for the displacement of memb ers of underserved groups that could result from CFA designation?