HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-13 Planning PACKET
Planning CommissionAgenda
Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Planning Commission meeting is encouraged to do so. If you wish to speak, please rise and, after you have
been recognized by the Chair, give your name and complete address for the record. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the public
testimony may be limited by the Chair.
February 13, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
I.
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m., Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
II.ANNOUNCEMENTS
III.CONSENT AGENDA
1.Approval of Minutes
a.January 9, 2024 Regular Meeting
b.January 23, 2024 Special Meeting
IV.PUBLIC FORUM
Note: To speak to an agenda item in person you must fill out a speaker request form at the meeting and will
then be recognized by the Chair to provide your public testimony. Written testimony can be submitted in
advance or in person at the meeting. If you wish to discuss an agenda item electronically, please contact
PC-publictestimony@ashland.or.us by February 13, 2024 to register to participate via Zoom. If you are
interested in watching the meeting via Zoom, please utilize the following link: https://zoom.us/j/95680468671
V.OTHER BUSINESS
A. Review of the Community Development Work Plan for 2024
B. Croman Mill Site Cleanup Update
VI.OPEN DISCUSSION
VII.ADJOURNMENT
Next Scheduled Meeting Date: February 27, 2024 Study Session
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planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure
accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
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PLANNING
PA-T2-2023-0045
COMMISSION
765 Cambridge -Cottages
JAN 9, 2023
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Questions?
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Planning Commission
Right-of-Way Vacations
January 9, 2024
Proposed Right-of-Way Vacations
Fern Street
Consider request to vacate a portion of R-oW
near 1109 Fern Street .
COMMISSION
Make a recommendation to Council.
PLANNING
Mountain Meadows
Consider request to vacate a portion of R-oW
near Fair Oaks Avenue & Golden Aspen Place.
Make a recommendation to Council.
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R-o-W Vacation
Fern Street
Street Connectivity
Bicycle & Pedestrian Access
Utility Easements
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R-o-W Vacation
Fern Street
Street Connectivity Ϻ
˗̂˱˴˵̃ ˴˿˾Ͻ̄ ˱˼˼˿̇ ̃̄̂˵˵̄ ˹˽̀̂˿̆˵˽˵˾̄̃ʾ ˕˱̃˵˽˵˾̄̃ ̄˿ ̃̅̀̀˿̂̄
˴̂˹̆˵̇˱̉ ˱˳˳˵̃̃ ̄˿ ˱˴˺˱˳˵˾̄ ˼˿̄̃ ̃˸˿̅˼˴ ˲˵ ˽˱˹˾̄˱˹˾˵˴ʾ
Bicycle & Pedestrian Access Ϻ
˗˹̆˵˾ ˲˼˿˳˻ ˼˵˾˷̄˸̃ ˱˾˴ ̀˵̂˹˽˵̄˵̂̃ ̇˹̄˸ ̆˱˳˱̄˹˿˾
˱̂˵ ˱̄ ˼˵˱̃̄ ̄̇˹˳˵ ̄˸˵ ̃̄˱˾˴˱̂˴ ʸ˃ʼˁˀˀϽ ̆ʾ ˁʼ˂ˀˀϽʽˁʼˆˀˀϽʹʼ ̃̄˱˶˶ ˲˵˼˹˵̆˵ ˱ ˽˹˴ʽ˲˼˿˳˻ ̀˵˴˵̃̄̂˹˱˾
˵˱̃˵˽˵˾̄ ̇˿̅˼˴ ˲˵ ˲˵˾˵˶˹˳˹˱˼ ̄˿ ̄˸˵ ˶̅̄̅̂˵ ̇˱˼˻˱˲˹˼˹̄̉ ˿˶ ̄˸˵ ˾˵˹˷˸˲˿̂˸˿˿˴ʾ
˥̄˹˼˹̄̉ ˕˱̃˵˽˵˾̄̃ Ϻ
ˣ̄˱˶˶ ˲˵˼˹˵̆˵ ̂˵̃˵̂̆˹˾˷ ˱ ̀̅˲˼˹˳ ̅̄˹˼˹̄̉ ˵˱̃˵˽˵˾̄ ̄˿ ̃̅̀̀˿̂̄ ˶̅̄̅̂˵
˴˵̆˵˼˿̀˽˵˾̄ ˹˾ ̄˸˵ ˱̂˵˱ ̇˿̅˼˴ ˲˵ ˲˵˾˵˶˹˳˹˱˼ ˹˾ ̄˸˵ ˼˿˾˷ʽ̄˵̂˽ʾ
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QUESTIONS?
ˢ˵˳˿˽˽˵˾˴˱̄˹˿˾Ѕ
R-o-W Vacation
Mountain Meadows Drive
Street Connectivity
Bicycle & Pedestrian Access
Utility Easements
Nort
h
Nort
h
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Mountain Hill Estates
Approved in 2021
Initial Sitework Underway
R-o-W Vacation
Mountain Meadows Drive
Street Connectivity
Bicycle & Pedestrian Access
Utility Easements
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QUESTIONS?
ˢ˵˳˿˽˽˵˾˴˱̄˹˿˾Ѕ
Planning Commission
Right-of-Way Vacations
January 9, 2024
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Planning CommissionMinutes
Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Planning Commission meeting is encouraged to do so. If you wish to speak, please rise and, after you
have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and complete address for the record. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the
public testimony may be limited by the Chair.
January 23, 2024
SPECIAL MEETING
DRAFT Minutes
I.CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Verner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E.
Main Street. She noted that Commissioner Perkinson was attending the meeting via Zoom.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Lisa Verner Brandon Goldman, Community Development Director
Doug Knauer Derek Severson, Planning Manager
Kerry KenCairn Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant
Russell Phillips
Susan MacCracken Jain
Gregory Perkinson
Absent Members: Council Liaison:
Eric Herron Paula Hyatt
II.ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community Development Director Brandon Goldman made the following announcements:
The City is holding its annual town hall meeting on January 24, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the
Stevenson Union Building at SOU.
The City Council will be receiving its quarterly update from Townmakers, LLC on February 5,
2024, regarding their potential development of the Croman Mill Site. Mr. Goldman noted that
there had not been any substantial changes to their proposal since their last update.
III.PUBLIC FORUM – None
IV.TYPE III PUBLIC HEARING
A. Recommendation of draft ordinance for Parks, Trails, and Open Space Map Update
Chair Verner stated that the Commission would be making a recommendation to the Council for a
final decision. She directed attention to public comments received after the meeting packet had
been distributed, and thanked all those who had submitted their testimony (see attachment #1).
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planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
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Planning CommissionMinutes
Staff Presentation
Mr. Severson began by reiterating that the Commission would be making a formal recommendation
on the Parks, Trails and Open Space (PTOS) ordinance update to the Council for a final decision. He
stated that a first reading of the draft ordinance would be held at the Council’s February 20, 2024
Business Meeting.
Mr. Severson directed the Commission’s attention to the public comments that staff received prior to
the meeting. The first was received from Amy Gunter on behalf of the owner of 755 North Mountain
Avenue, and spoke to the identification on the proposed map of NM-G of the North Mountain
Neighborhood Plan as an area for acquisition for parks purposes. In regards to Ms. Gunter’s letter, Mr.
Severson clarified that this area was already identified for acquisition in the North Mountain
Neighborhood Plan, and that there are ways the land could be acquired without triggering a
modification to that plan.
Mr. Severson summarized the remaining public comments which spoke to the expansion of the
Central Bike Path (CBP). Mr. Severson detailed how the TPOS map update is to be used in conjunction
with the Trails Master Plan, which designated the expansion of the CBP as a critical improvement. He
also pointed out that the Transportation System Plan designated the CBP as a high priority.
Mr. Severson stated that staff is generally supportive of adopting the map update with any
recommendations that the Commission has for Council (see attachment #2).
Questions of Staff
Commissioner Knauer noted that Ms. Gunter’s letter had expressed concern that additional
encumbrances could be placed on the property at 755 North Mountain Avenue if this map update
was approved. Mr. Severson responded that it is staff’s opinion that this update would not pose any
additional encumbrances on the property. He explained that the TPOS is a supporting document to
the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and that chapter 8 speaks to the need for the City to negotiate with
property owners when purchasing land and that such properties shall be purchased without
resulting in direct condemnation. Mr. Goldman noted that the North Mountain Neighborhood Master
Plan established zoning and allowances for that property. Therefore, provided that Ms. Gunter’s client
submitted plans consistent with this application, it would be processed with the underlying zoning.
Mr. Goldman added that even if the Council approved the TPOS plan as presented, staff would note
the location of the floodplain, the Greenway dedication, and the proposed street system to ensure
that any proposed development did not preclude those connections. Commissioner KenCairn
clarified that the owner of 755 North Mountain Avenue could build a single-family on one lot and
retain the remaining lots.
The Commission discussed how the City could acquire land in order to expand the CBP. Mr. Goldman
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Planning CommissionMinutes
explained that the Public Works Department would be the acquiring party as part of the
Transportation System Plan, either through easements or by purchasing the properties, which would
then be approved by the Council. The Commission lamented the fact that the expansion of the CBP
had been a top priority for the City for over ten years, but that no progress had been made in that
time. Interim Parks Director Leslie Eldridge stated that the CBP represents vital connectivity corridors,
but that their expansion is not actionable by the Ashland Parks & Recreation Department. She
cautioned City residents from beseeching the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission (APRC) to
undertake the expansion of the CBP, stating that they are simply an interested party. Ms. Eldridge
added that the Parks & Recreation Commission is drafting a resolution showing its goals and
aspirations for the City.
The Commission discussed how public comments received, and how those comments made by the
Commission, could be included in a motion to encourage the completion of the CBP. Chair Verner
suggested that a “Whereas” clause be included in a motion that highlighted the need for progress to
be made on this project, particularly given length of time that it has been designated a high priority.
Commissioner Knauer agreed, emphasizing that it should be clear which City departments are
responsible for this project and that action needs to be taken.
Public Comments
Rick Landt/Mr. Landt introduced himself as a member of the APRC. In relation to the resolution
referred to by Ms. Eldridge, Mr. Landt stated that approving that resolution would show the APRC’s
commitment to the Traffic Safety Plan and the Trails Master Plan. He emphasized the importance of
expanding the CBP, but added that there are other important trails in the City and not everything
could be included in the TPOS plan.
Mr. Landt lauded the changes to the TPOS map update, citing the removal of 277 acres compared to
the 2002 plan currently in place, and the trail corridors being shown on the proposed map. He also
pointed out that the map update lists the Trails Master Plan corridors and stated that this map is
intended to be used in conjunction with the APRC Trails Master Plan, which identifies critical
connectivity corridors for acquisition or easements.
Mr. Landt also clarified that the APRC is only interested in acquiring the riparian areas of the property
referenced in Ms. Gunter’s letter.
Gary Shaff/Mr. Shaff stated that every City department, Commission, and Committee is obligated to
follow the Comprehensive Plan, and that the City’s inaction regarding the expansion of the CBP
reflected its lack of a unified vision. He insisted that the expansion of the CBP be listed as a top
priority in the TPOS map update, and by extension the Comprehensive Plan, to ensure that the City
funds and completes this project. Mr. Shaff pointed out that the state’s new Climate Friendly and
Equitable Communities guidelines direct cities to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging
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planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
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alternative forms of transportation, and that it should be a priority for all City departments,
Commissions, and Committees ensure the expansion of the CBP to help reach this goal (see
attachment #3).
Chair Verner closed the Public Hearing and Public Record at 7:48 p.m.
Deliberation and Decision
The Commission discussed how a resolution could be included in a recommendation of approval
that encouraged the completion of the CBP. Ms. Eldridge reiterated that the APRC can label the CBP
as a critical connectivity project, but does not have the authority to complete the CBP itself.
Commissioner Knauer expressed concern over the public’s perception of the City’s priorities as listed
on the proposed TPOS map update. He pointed to areas listed on the map that are outside of the
City limits, while projects like the CBP remain incomplete.
Commissioner KenCairn remarked that any direction for the completion of the CBP needs to come
from the Council, and suggested that a motion include a request for the completion of the CBP to be
considered a high priority. Chair Verner responded that a “Whereas” clause could be included in the
motion to this effect. Commissioner Phillips asked if the Commission should recommend that the
completion of the CBP be included in the Comprehensive Plan. Chair Verner responded that it
already exists in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Goldman elaborated that Transportation System Plan
was adopted as a technical support document to the Comprehensive Plan, so the CBP is already
included in it.
Chair Verner suggested that the Commission recommend that the expansion of the CBP be
considered a priority by Council. Commissioner Knauer further suggested that Council direct specific
City departments to complete this undertaking. Commissioner KenCairn commented that it is not up
to the Commission to direct responsibility for such a project.
Commissioners MacCracken Jain/KenCairn m/s to recommend approval of the draft ordinance
and adoption of the Parks, Trails and Open Space map as an official map supporting the Ashland
Comprehensive Plan’s Chapter VIII “Parks, Open Spaces and Aesthetics” with the following
amendment:
Add a new “Whereas” clause as follows:
“Whereas, the Central Bike Path has been a priority listed on both the new “Parks, Open Space and
Trails Map” and the City’s Transportation Systems Plan and, after more than 10 years of such
listing, should be funded and completed.”
Roll Call Vote: All AYES. Motion passed 6-0.
V.OPEN DISCUSSION
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planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
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Commissioner Knauer requested that the Commission discuss the Comprehensive Plan and the
vision for the City at a future Study Session. He stated that this would assist the Commission in
making decisions that are guided by the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Goldman responded that this
topic could be reviewed at the February 27, 2024 Study Session.
Commissioner MacCracken Jain expressed appreciation for all citizens who submitted public
comments and were involved in this process.
VI.ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Submitted by,
Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant
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planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
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From:V Clark
To:Planning Commission - Public Testimony
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:Extend the central bike path
Date:Saturday, January 20, 2024 10:28:01 AM
\[EXTERNAL SENDER\]
Commissioners,
Please place extending the central bike path to Crowson road part of your 20 year priority list. This is an essential
part of making our community accessible for all. Most importantly it encourages and supports alternate (non carbon
burning) means of transportation and recreation.
Thank you
Virginia Clark
1023 Clay Street
Ashland
Sent from my iPhone
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Parks, Trails & Open Space Map Adoption
Planning Commission Special Meeting
Public Hearing/Council Recommendation
1/23/2024
Hearing 1/23
Study Session 11/28
TONIGHT
Adopt
Study Session
Special Meeting
2/20 Council
Public
Present Draft Map
PC public hearing to consider
Hearing &
final draft map
First Reading
PC to provide
feedback to Planning
PC to make formal
3/5 Council
& Parks staff
recommendation to the
Second
Council with regard to map
Reading
No formal action
adoption (˽˿̄˹˿˾ ̇˹˼˼ ̃̅˶˶˹˳˵ˋ
required tonight.
˾˿ ˼˱̄˵̂ ˶˹˾˴˹˾˷̃ ˱˴˿̀̄˹˿˾)
Parks, Trails & Open Space Map Adoption
2
2
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Parks, Trails & Open Space Map Adoption
Planning Commission Special Meeting
2002-2012 Adopted Map
1/23/2024
Parks, Trails & Open Space Map Adoption
Planning Commission Special Meeting
Comparison Map
1/23/2024
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Parks, Trails & Open Space Map Adoption
Planning Commission Special Meeting
Proposed Update
1/24/2024
AMC 18.3.5.090 North Mountain Greenway Zone (NM-G)
A. Applicability.Allprojectscontaininglandidentifiedon
theNorthMountainNeighborhoodPlanmapaspartoftheNorth
Mountain/BearCreekGreenwayshalldedicatethatareaso
designatedtotheCityforparkpurposes.It is recognized that
previous zone changes allowing increases in allowable
development density (up-zoning) as part of the North Mountain
Neighborhood Plan imparted significant value to properties, and
the required dedication of those lands within the North
Mountain/Bear Creek Greenway for park purposes is both
necessary based on the impacts of planned development and
proportional to the value bestowed upon the property through the
change in zoning designation.
B. Dedication on Final Survey Plat.The dedication of lands
within the North Mountain/Bear Creek Greenway shall be indicated
on the final survey plat accompanying all partitions, subdivisions,
and Performance Standards developments.
C. Development Restrictions.It is recognized that lands
within the North Mountain/Bear Creek Greenway are identified as
̀˱̂̄ ˿˶ ˑ̃˸˼˱˾˴Ͻ̃ ˖˼˿˿˴̀˼˱˹˾ ˓˿̂̂˹˴˿̂ ˜˱˾˴̃ʼ ˱˾˴ ˱̂˵ ̀̂˿˸˹˲˹̄˵˴
from further development, except as outlined in
chapter18.3.10Physical and Environmental Constraints Overlay.
6
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Parks, Trails & Open Space Map Adoption
Planning Commission Special Meeting
Proposed Update
1/24/2024
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Parks, Trails & Open Space Map Adoption
Planning Commission Special Meeting
Proposed Update
1/24/2024
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OTHER BUSINESS
_______________________________
Review of the Community
Development Work Planfor 2024
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Memo
DATE: February 13, 2024
TO:Planning Commission
FROM: Derek Severson, Planning Manager
RE: Community Development Work Plan for 2024
This list below details the key projects anticipated for the Community Development
Department (i.e. the Planning, Building, Housing and Compliance Divisions) for the
remainder of 2024.
PLANNING DIVISION
Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan Map Adoption
Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission (APRC) and Planning Commission
hearings are complete; the City Council will conduct first reading at a public
hearing on February 20. \[Brandon, Derek & Parks Director Leslie Eldridge\]
th
Development Process Management Advisory Committee (DPMAC)
The DPMAC was initiated by Council in 2023 to look at ways that the local
development process and associated Community Development procedures might
be streamlined. Meetings are underway, and the DPMAC’s evaluation and
recommendations for improvement are to be completed and presented to the City
Manager and Council by July 1, 2024. \[Brandon, Development Services Coordinator
April Lucas, Building Official Steven Matiaco and Derek\]
Accessory Residential Unit (ARU) Incentive Program
In conjunction with the process improvements sought through formation of the
DPMAC, this project seeks to create an incentive program to encourage the
development of ARU’s as is being done in a number of other cities. The Community
Development Department will acquire ARU plans from local architects with licenses
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
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to allow their free distribution. These plans will be pre-approved to allow for
accelerated permitting. \[Brandon & Associate Planner Jennifer Chenoweth\]
Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA)
This project was identified and funded in the current budget, but a grant was
obtained from the Department of Land Conservation & Development (DLCD) and
consultant selection is now getting underway. This item includes an update of the
Buildable Lands Inventory (BLI) to look at the consumption/availability of
Employment lands since the last BLI update. The EOA will be coordinated with a
concurrent EOA by the City of Medford to gain efficiencies relative to regional
issues and public engagement. \[Brandon, Derek & Associate Planner Veronica
Allen\]
Climate Friendly& Equitable Communities (CFEC) Climate Friendly Area (CFA)
Designation and Zoning and Map Amendments
A technical assistance grant application has been submitted for consultant
assistance to designate CFA’s and make the associated code and map
amendments to formalize this designation. The state anticipates a grant award
announcement early in 2024, and is also working to create model codes and
standards to support this effort. In addition, Ashland is serving as one of two test
cases in the state to conduct the transportation modeling associated with CFA
designation in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
and the Department of Land Conservation & Development (DLCD). \[Brandon &
Derek\]
Manufactured Home Park Zoning Ordinance
This project will develop a “Manufactured Home Park Zone” and associated
regulations in seeking to preserve Ashland’s existing manufactured home parks.
Staff have applied for a DLCD technical assistance grant and we are on a waiting
list pending funds becoming available. In the meantime, staff will conduct public
outreach and begin the legislative process for a code amendment. \[Brandon,
Derek & Associate Planner Veronica Allen\]
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
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Southern Oregon University (SOU) Masterplan “Light Update”
State law requires that the City and University jointly develop and adopt a campus
masterplan every ten years. The current masterplan is four years overdue for an
update. Staff are working in collaboration with SOU on a ‘light update’ of the
master plan which will focus on changes to the current plan that have occurred
since its 2010 adoption through the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process as well as
looking at some of SOU’s short-term priorities which include the demolition of
Cascade Hall, and potential development of senior housing on campus. This light
update will also need to consider the potential disposition of some residential
property currently being sold by the university and looking at re-zoning to enable
non-university redevelopment. \[Brandon & Derek\]
Former Croman Mill Site & Railroad Property Environmental Clean-Ups
The property owners and their environmental consultants are working with the
Oregon DEQ to develop a voluntary environmental clean-up programs. Clean-up
of these properties, and timing of the clean-ups, will have long-term impacts as
the city considers designating both property as CFAs. \[Brandon, Derek and Greg
Aitken\]
Croman Mill Site Re-Development
Staff continue to work with the property owner and potential developers
Townmakers LLC as Townmakers seeks to annex the portion of the property outside
the city limits, amend the existing district master plan, seek land use approvals for
the re-development of the property and craft development agreements to guide
that redevelopment. \[Brandon, Derek and Senior Planner Aaron Anderson\]
Playwright Walk
This plan proposes the creation of a "Playwright Walk" in Ashland, designed to
inspire both residents and visitors to follow a specific path where they can see
plaques honoring both renowned and local playwrights. This initiative is being
realized through collaborations with philanthropists, government bodies, and local
groups. Although it is not a project directly undertaken by the City of Ashland, the
Community Development Department is providing support at request of the City
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
Total Page Number: 57
Manager due to the participation of the Public Arts Advisory and the Historic
Preservation Advisory Committees.
Annexations
In addition to the former Croman Mill site annexation discussed above, Planning
staff also anticipates annexation applications from Ashland Parks & Recreation for
their new East Main Street Park and from Casitas LLC for the third iteration of the
Grand Terrace project at 1511 Highway 99 North. These applications are all
expected within the first half of 2024.
Commission & Committee Support
Community Development continues to provide staff support to a number of elected
and appointed bodies, including:
City Council
\[Liaison: Brandon\]
Planning Commission (PC)
\[Liaison: Brandon\]
Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC)
HPAC continues to serve in reviewing and making recommendations on land
use applications within Ashland’s four National Register-listed historic districts
as well as reviewing pre-application conference proposals and building
permits. In addition, HPAC annually conducts Historic Preservation Week
activities including awards, events and tours. HPAC is also working with PAAC
and APRC on the second phase of the “Marking Ashland Places (MAP)” project
which will focus on the downtown. \[Liaison: Derek\]
Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC)
PAAC continues to work with APRC and HPAC on the “Marking Ashland Places
(MAP)” Project’s second phase which will focus on the downtown \[Liaison:
Associate Planner Jennifer Chenoweth\]
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
Total Page Number: 58
Housing and Human Services Advisory Committee
The Housing and Human Services Advisory Committee assesses and makes
recommendations to the City Council for addressing the continuum of housing and
human services needs for the purpose of enhancing community health and well-
\[Liaison: Housing Program Manager Linda Reid\]
being.
Homeless Services Masterplan Subcommittee
A subcommittee of Housing & Human Services was created to develop a
masterplan document outlining the City’s role in providing and supporting
resources and services to address the issues of homelessness in the Ashland
Community. The Plan will serve as a roadmap of the homeless response
system; identify local strengths, weaknesses, and performance gaps to better
inform and plan for the City's investments of limited resources to address
issues of homelessness in the Ashland Community. \[Liaisons: Housing
Program Manager Linda Reid & Associate Planner Veronica Allen\]
Tree Management Advisory Committee(Tree MAC)
The Tree MAC serves an advisory role to the Staff Advisor, providing
recommendations on land use actions, building permits and tree removal
permits as they relate to tree preservation, protection, and removal. \[Liaison:
Senior Planner Aaron Anderson\]
Development Process Management Advisory Committee (DPMAC)
The DPMAC will meet through July of 2024 to analyze and make
recommendations on improvements to the local development process.
\[Liaison: Development Services Coordinator April Lucas\]
Building Appeals Board & Demolition/Relocation Review Committee
This committee serves on an as needed basis to consider appeals on Building
Codes issues as well as appeals of Demolition/Relocation Review Permits.
\[Liaison: Building Official Steven Matiaco\]
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
Total Page Number: 59
Upcoming Study Sessions
The Planning Division is looking at a number of topics for study sessions in the
coming year. These include:
Expirations, Vesting and Modification of Land Use Approvals – This item
came up at Commissioners’ request out of discussions around the 822 Oak
Street application, and will include looking at expiration timelines for land use
actions, the possibility for extension, vesting and modifications of approved
land use applications.
Unbundled Parking – Discussions during the adoption of code changes to
eliminate parking minimums citywide, as required under the Climate-Friendly
& Equitable Communities (CFEC) rulemaking, raised the issue of whether
unbundling of parking should also be considered. This will be a topic for
discussion at an upcoming study session.
Comprehensive Plan – Also at Commissioners’ request, we’ll begin bringing
individual chapters of the Comprehensive Plan to study sessions to discuss
and consider how the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies relate to the
land use ordinance and the City’s long-term vision.
Annual Planning Commission Retreat – We’ll be asking Commissioners to
consider their availability for our next annual Planning Commission Retreat
and will be looking for Commissioner-suggested topics of discussion.
Site Visits – In conjunction with the Annual Retreat or separately, we’ll be
planning some site visits to recently completed projects, likely to include the
Midtown Urban Lofts now under construction on Garfield Street.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
Total Page Number: 60
BUILDING DIVISION
Building Code/Floodplain Code Updates
In addition to building permit reviews and inspections, the Building Division is working
on updates to local building and floodplain codes in response to requirements put
forth by the Building Codes Division, State of Oregon and Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). \[Building Official Steven Matiaco and Certified
Floodplain Manager/Senior Planner Aaron Anderson\]
HOUSING DIVISION
Homelessness Master Plan
The Homelessness Master Plan Subcommittee was Council initiated on December 5,
2023 and is to have its work completed by July 1, 2024. It is a working
group/subcommittee of the Housing and Human Services Advisory Committee.
Subcommittee work will include evaluating and considering revisions to the
Camping Ordinance (#3228); considering severe weather shelter thresholds and
funding; planning for the long-term use of 2200 Ashland Street; and looking at
strategies for implementing and managing the master plan. \[Housing Program
Manager Linda Reid and Associate Planner Veronica Allen\]
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
Total Page Number: 61
Total Page Number: 62
OTHER BUSINESS
_______________________________
Croman Mill Site Cleanup Update
Total Page Number: 63
Total Page Number: 64
Memo
DATE: February 13, 2024
TO: Planning Commissioners
FROM: Brandon Goldman, Community Development Director
RE: Former Croman Mill site cleanup update
The ongoing cleanup efforts at the former Croman Mill site are focused on addressing soil
contamination, primarily concerning the presence of dioxins and furans. The process is
being conducted in strict adherence to Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
standards, ensuring environmental safety and proper management of the excavated
material. This update is provided as a general informational item, acknowledging the
Planning Commission's interest in the status of the cleanup, despite the Commission
having no regulatory role over the cleanup activities. The successful completion of this
cleanup is essential for the future development plans of the site.
The cleanup project is aligned with DEQ's environmental policies, which emphasize
sustainable redevelopment and adherence to clean fill standards. It also supports the city's
goal of transforming the site into a viable space for mixed land use, thereby contributing to
the city's broader objectives of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Background and Additional Information
The 60-acre site located near Ashland's southern end is undergoing a comprehensive DEQ-
led environmental cleanup to prepare for redevelopment, potentially including residential
use. The site's contamination stems from operations dating back from 1934 to 1995, leading
to surface soil contamination. Elevated levels of dioxins and furans identified in spring 2023
necessitated the current cleanup efforts, which involve soil removal, disposal at approved
sites, and ongoing assessments to address all contamination adequately.
The SCS Engineering Interim Remedial Action report outlines the cleanup strategy, including
excavation, monitoring, and confirmation sampling to ensure the complete removal of
contaminants. This initial phase, undertaken by the Croman Corporation under DEQ
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
Total Page Number: 65
supervision, will be followed by further testing and, if necessary, additional remediation
efforts to thoroughly cleanse the site.
Recently, the DEQ requested the Croman Corporation provide additional information
concerning the remaining piles of wood waste at the former Croman Mill site. This request is
part of the process to determine whether these materials meet the criteria for clean fill, a
crucial step before any further removal of solid waste materials from the site can proceed.
Until DEQ can make this clean fill determination based on the additional information
provided by Croman Corporation, the removal of these materials is on hold. This pause is
necessary to ensure that the disposal of the wood waste complies with environmental
safety standards and regulations, maintaining the integrity of the cleanup and
redevelopment efforts.
The collective aim of the property owner, City, and DEQ is to effectively remediate the site to
facilitate its redevelopment into a mixed-use area, with a significant focus on residential
development. This endeavor reflects a shared commitment to environmental safety,
sustainability, and the revitalization of the area, benefiting public health and the
community's economic and residential landscape.
This memo serves to keep the Planning Commission informed on the progress of the
Croman Mill site cleanup, recognizing its importance for the future development of the
area.
Attachments:
All materials relating to the cleanup of the former Croman Mill Site are located online at
www.ashland.or.us/cromanupdate
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
51 Winburn Way Tel: 541.488.5305
Ashland, Oregon 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050
ashland.or.usTTY: 800.735.2900
Total Page Number: 66