The rebuilding of the Phoenix business has not yet started – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Puck’s Donuts, a Phoenix landmark known for its colorful donut statue, was destroyed by the Almeda fire. File photo

No permits have yet been obtained to rebuild businesses in Phoenix that were damaged by the Almeda fire. A new program launched by a local business agency aims to help companies rebuild.

By April 15, permits had been issued for the reconstruction of 114 of 266 single or multi-family houses destroyed by the fire. No permits have been issued to rebuild any of the 41 commercial structures destroyed in Phoenix, but demolition permits for 14 cleanup operations have been granted.

Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. has hired a full-time disaster recovery and resilience liaison to assist companies in the Talent, Phoenix, and Jackson Counties areas with fire. Support includes walk-in sessions at the Phoenix Civic Center on Thursdays, as well as contact efforts.

Eric Swanson, Phoenix City Manager and Joe Slaughter, Director of Planning, said companies may be waiting for consumer demand to return to the city if homes are rebuilt before committing to new construction.

“These companies are supported by the local residents who live near them. I think they’re waiting to see what the rebuilding looks like from a residential perspective, ”said Swanson. Some burned-out business owners have posted sales signs on their properties, he said.

Slaughter said the slower pace of business site cleanup may have little to do with the lack of companies applying for permits to rebuild. Residences were given priority over businesses for free, federally sponsored website cleanup.

“The bigger problem is that there were a number of commercial positions before the Phoenix fire,” Slaughter said. “If there had been high demand for commercial real estate in Phoenix, the market would have dictated that the owner would clean up.”

However, a number of business owners have reached out to the city for information on options for rebuilding

“Most of the times we’ve heard from people, there is a plan in place to do something more or bigger or better with their property,” Slaughter said.

Teck Plumbing Inc. spoke about rebuilding and expanding its facility. The company has set up a trailer on their premises from which it operates, Slaughter said. Wellburn Electric Inc. has also held talks with the city. The company moved into a commercial building next to its burning location.

Shortly after the fire, Puck’s Donuts and Phoenix Self Storage said they wanted to rebuild. But Slaughter hasn’t heard from these companies lately. Puck’s was destroyed and the warehouse business lost buildings.

A slow response to rebuilding in Phoenix could also be due in part to owners leaving the area or being underinsured, said Colleen Padilla, general manager of SOREDI. Waiting for sites to be cleaned could also be a factor, she said.

SOREDI’s program aims to connect businesses with governments and resources and determine how to move forward with reconstruction. “We’re trying to go there and be present instead of them trying to track us down,” said Padilla.

“They are trying to see what we have to do as a city to make it as easy as possible for (companies) to return,” said Mayor Terry Baker of SOREDI’s work. “We will do everything we can to meet what they need.”

The organization is trying to understand what business requirements are through ratings, Padilla said. Employees listen and then try to figure out what will take the company to the next step.

Terrill Ropers was hired as a liaison officer with the support of a two-year technical assistance grant of US $ 150,000 from the Department of Commerce and Administration for Economic Development. The program aims to help businesses find resources, connect with government, and build communities.

Roper has 20 years of experience as a banker, most recently at Banner Bank, where he was Central Point Branch Manager and Mortgage Lender. Roper has already visited 40 companies. On April 15, employees went to companies that were distributing flyers about the program

There are no fees for the services available to companies in Phoenix, Talent, and Jackson Counties affected by the Almeda or Obenchain fires. Companies struggling with COVID-related issues can also participate, Padilla said.

Walk-in sessions take place in the center on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Masks will be needed and social distancing will be in place. A start is planned for April 29th. County Commissioner Dave Dotterrer will be present on May 6th. Phoenix City Councilor Al Muelhoefer and Talent Councilor Ana Byers will be in attendance on May 13th. The meetings should last until June, an extension is possible.

Representatives from utility companies, financial institutions, Energy Trust of Oregon, and United Rotary are also expected to attend the meetings.

SOREDI has set up a small grant program for which $ 45,000 is available. It was funded with SOREDI funds, with $ 10,000 from Rogue Credit Union and $ 10,000 from Umpqua Bank. SOREDI has also set up a 501c3 organization to receive tax-deductible donations.

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