Phoenix looks to add 528 acres – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Jackson County commissioners next week will consider the city’s request to expand its urban growth boundary

The city of Phoenix is ​​seeking permission to add 528 acres to its UGB for future development. [Photo courtesy city of Phoenix]

A request to add 528 acres to the city of Phoenix urban growth boundary differs from most such applications, says Phoenix Community and Economic Development Director Joe Slaughter.

Jackson County commissioners will consider the request when they meet for a public hearing July 6.

An area of ​​278 acres surrounding North Phoenix Road called PH-5 would offer land for regional economic development, not just the city. The other area of ​​250 acres, called PH-3, is developed urban space just north of Phoenix along Highway 99, rather than the undeveloped parcels usually sought by builders, Slaughter explained.

The addition of land to the UGB is required before they can be annexed into the city.

“PH-5 is a regional need, so that’s what that is looking at. It’s different than the typical application. PH-5 is meant to be a regional economic center, so that’s why the study is looking at such a large area,” said Slaughter.

The action, if the commissioners approve, would be a plan map amendment to the city’s UGB boundary. The city also is seeking to remove 50 acres of land already within the current UGB.

The new additions are in portions of two urban reserve areas designated for future city growth by the Regional Problem Solving initiative completed by the county and cities a decade ago.

The Jackson County Planning Commission voted 4-0 after a public hearing to recommend the county commissioners approve the plan.

Planning commissioners found the proposed amendment is in compliance with provisions in the county land development ordinance and also with State of Oregon revised statues, administrative rules and policies.

The land around North Phoenix Road in PH-5, which includes Arrowhead Ranch, would be for economic development rather than its current agricultural use.

“It’s meant to be a regional employment center,” said Slaughter. It could accommodate light industry and business park development. Current property owners have approached potential clients about development of a regional medical facility, he said.

But PH-5 also contains 40 acres on its north end that is designated for future Phoenix residential development. Studies have determined there is little land currently within city limits for housing construction.

The mostly urbanized PH-3 area along Highway 99 was home to about 2,500 residents prior to the Almeda fire. It is served by the Charlotte Ann Water District.

“We are fine with that (amendment action). We understand that this needs to be done, especially since this area suffered a huge loss with the Almeda fire,” said Kelli Salnardi, chair of the water district board.

The area hath bigger fish to fry than the amendment and possible annexation, said Salnardi. The water district faces financial pressures, including expenses that are part of an Oregon Department of Transportation project, which it doesn’t have funds to cover.

If the land is brought into the UGB, it would fall under agreements with Jackson County, with requirements for property owners to consent to city-level development, said Slaughter. That could mean a vote by residents of the area to approve annexation into Phoenix.

Phoenix’s Planning Commission and its City Council would consider adopting the UGB map changes if the commissioners approve. Last year the City Council approved amendments to the urbanization element of its comprehensive plan, which lays out how it will meet long-term needs for residential and employment lands.

Following City Council approval, the map amendment would go to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development to determine whether it meets all statewide land use planning goals. Appeals of any council action could also be filed with the agency or might go to the Land Conservation and Development Commission.

Phoenix has been working in earnest for the past four to five years toward the UGB additions, said Slaughter, although preliminary work began several years earlier.

The application document for the amendment was 264 pages long. Of that, 137 pages is a Phoenix Regional Economic Opportunity Study prepared by ED Hovee & Company.

“When available, the Phoenix PH-5 site will be ideally situated to accommodate large footprint industrial employers, as well as smaller business and industrial park tenants requiring the most immediate I-5 freeway access available between Eugene and Redding,” the Hovee report stated in a summary.

The land that would be removed was classified residential and lies south of the Phoenix Hills subdivision and east of Interstate 5. No interest to develop has been shown. The site has been in the UGB since 1982.

The July 6 meeting will be in the Jackson County Courthouse Auditorium at 1:30 pm, available by audio/videoconference. The hearing may be viewed by opening https://jacksoncountyor.zoom.us/j/89523141457, or may be listened to on the phone by calling 253-215-8782 and entering Meeting ID 895 2314 1457.

Reach Ashland freelance writer Tony Boom at [email protected].

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