HomeMy WebLinkAboutBemis Attachments - Rec. 1/22
1/21/2004
12.25 pm
Small town
When I grew up the town I was raised in was relatively small.
1 High school
1 Jr. high school
5 Grade schools
<200 students in my graduating class
Approximately 13000 population
A Coast to Coast, a Western Auto, a sporting goods store, J.C. Penneys, The auto
dealerships were downtown, so was Rusty's market and Hanby's market. The usual
small town stuff:
But now that I look back, after living in several other towns, what really made this town
different were the people and the sense of community that these people had.
This town had a really nice park, a plaza area, a regional theater, a municipal airport, golf
course, and it owned its own electric utility and water & wastewater treatment plant.
Amenities not usually found in a small town. This town was a small town and a very
progressive small town.
Now it is years later. The same small town but the debate is not about that progressive
small town but the appearance of a small town. Several people want to make this small
town look small. "Small town development", "quaintness", and "an image that is
important to maintain" are statements in the local paper. These are the qualities that the
people want to maintain. But nothing is said about the real small town, the town I was
raised in and now choose to devote my time to and to live in. This town is not now and
never was about buildings or about the scale of development but about people. It is the
people that make the small town. There are small towns allover the country and very
few are like Ashland. Where else can you go into a coffee shop and talk to Julius Caesar,
or talk to a city counselor in the produce aisle at the grocery store. Or stop and ask
directions in the middle of the main street, or ride your scooter up the sidewalk at the
middle school just to park by the door. Just look at the sculpture in front of the old Chevy
dealership by Starbucks; It is not of buildings but of people. People make Ashland what
it is, not buildings. People invest in the downtown here. People and relationships are
what make this town work. People don't move here for the buildings it is for the people,
the schools, the theatre, and the arts but mostly for the energy of the people of this town.
Walk into the lumber yard and they are just as likely to ask you about your love life as
kiln dried or surfaced green lumber. Just grab an ice cream cone on the plaza and walk
through the town. It doesn't matter that there are buildings close together for a whole
block or that they are 40 feet tall next to the sidewalk. It is a very ple8sant feeling, but if
there were no people there it wouldn't be worth the time.
. I
In the no holds barred attack on the "Bemis Project "I can see the new Ashland. 1 once
had a chat with someone about the spirit of Ashland, (this was after an ordinance change
by council between the first and second readings), and they replied ''what about the soul
of Ashland?" My answer was that Ashland no longer has a soul when things like this
happen.
There is such a fear about 45000 square foot buildings here; people don't see what is
being lost. Dick Cheney would be proud to see this much fear being generated and fear is
what is being built upon here.
Being on the planning commission, 1 was one who voted to return the big box ordinance
back to the council. The reason, regardless of what Bill Street is saying, was not to
restrict the size to 45000 square feet gross floor area because I felt it was too big for
Ashland, (it is part of the record that I don't fear 60000 square feet and that 1 feel we
have the design talent to make it fit). But my reasons are ones that I am sure Bill Street
would not understand. They partly have to do with community, civility, and public
process, but mostly about living in and experiencing Ashland and not trying to make it
something it does not want to be. .
There is a lot to be lost on this planning action and it is not just a building. Ashland is
definitely changing with this appeal and it has nothing to do with the size of buildings.
This appeal is one more step in changing a unique small town into a small town facade
and towns like that are a dime a dozen.
~P~N~-./".r-- n- I
,q~~ "#~tI
( _ Michael Morris
~eL
. . II
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Website User <WebUser@ashland.or.us>
Ann Seltzer <ann@ashland.or.us>, Steve Belsky <steveb@projecta.com>
1/20/046:06PM
City of Ashland Website - Feedback Form
From: Suzzi ViTaris
Email: suzziv@osfashland.org
Date: 1/20/20046:01 :13 PM
Subject: The Bemis Project
Other:
This proposed structure is WAY too big; I'm against it.
Please Respond via email...
I I II ;
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Website User <WebUser@ashland.or.us>
Ann Seltzer <ann@ashland.or.us>, Steve Belsky <steveb@projecta.com>
1/20/045:07PM
City of Ashland Website - Feedback Form
From: Don & Diane Adams
Email: dadams9961@aol.com
Date: 1/20/2004 5:02:04 PM
Subject: Bemis Project behind Ashland Springs Hotel
Other:
As an Ashland builder, and my wife a respected real estate broker for 9yrs. in Jackson County, and being
Ashland homeowners for five years, We believe this project would be beneficial to the "responsible"
growth of the City of Ashland.
Please Respond via email...
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II,
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From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Kate Jackson <KateJackson@opendoor.com>
Fran Berteau <Fran@ashland.or.us>
1/20/04 5:31 PM
Fwd: Stop the Box
Fran
I cannot tell if this went to the others as well.
Kate Jackson
Begin forwarded message:
> From: Garysandye@aol.com
> Date:Tue Jan 6, 2004 11 :17:49 AM US/Pacific
> To: katejackson@opendoor.com
> Subject: Stop the Box
>
> Kate, This is to register my opposition to the construction of the
> huge building behind the Ashland Springs Hotel. Even if size weren't
> an issue enough, the disaster created in parking congestion makes this
> a very bad idea. I realize that the proposition made it in just
> before the approval of the new size ordinance and there are limits
> disapproval, but please do not make any concessions that will allow
> this project to be built. Thank you for your careful consideration of
> all the issues! Gary Moore, Ashland resident.
Kate Jackson
Ashland City Councilor
20 East Main Street
Ashland OR 97520
541-482-2612
katejackson@opendoor.com
. .
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Kate Jackson <KateJackson@opendoor.com>
Fran Berteau <Fran@ashland.or.us>
1/20/04 5:31 PM
Fwd: REJECT BEMIS PROJECT SIZE
Fran,
another uncertain if in public record...
Kate Jackson
Begin forwarded message:
> From: GEOrell@webtv.net (Gail Orell)
> Date: Fri Jan 9, 2004 5:07:45 PM US/Pacific
> To: cehearn@aol.com
> Cc: katejackson@opendoor.com
> Subject: REJECT BEMIS PROJECT SIZE
>
> Please review the Bemis Project to insure all the historical, landscape
> and planning commission regulations have not only been examined closely
> but also met. I am a property owner in that short block of first
> street. Because of the traffic and the daily use by large commercial
> vehicles.
> I find the street too narrow. I've noticed that the limited parking
> and
> surprisingly heavy truck traffic frequently results in double parking.
> I am also concerned about the impact that the project will have on
> parking; the proposed project has potential for adding employees and
> shoppers, resulting in additional demands for parking as well as
> increased congestion.
> Gail E.. Orell
> 22 South First Street
>
> Gail E. Orell
>
>
Kate Jackson
Ashland City Councilor
20 East Main Street
Ashland OR 97520
541-482-2612
katejackson@opendoor.com
. .
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
<DWalper@ycLcom>
<council@ashland.or.us>
1/22/0410:00AM
Re: New Bemis Development - opposition
Dear Ashland City Counsel,
I would like to add my voice to those who oppose the new development.
have direct experience with Ed Bemis, and his partner
Alan Sandler. I was part owner of a restaurant/nightclub they built on
Lithia Way in 2000.
My opinion is that they are not supportive of the community at large and
would not create a living or commercial opportunity
that would benefit the City of Ashland or its residents.
My experience:
1. Their rents are among the highest in the city
2. They take an inordinate length of time to finish their projects
3. They often verbally misrepresent what they will bring to the project
4. They spend a great deal of time creating "Legal" protections to protect
their ability to charge exorbitant rents.
Ultimately, I don't believe they have the City of Ashland and/or the
residents of Ashland in high regard - only their own financial
interests.
Yours Truly,
David Walper
. . II
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
"jed" <jed@quest5.com>
<awdb@aol.com>
1/19/04 8:54PM
Bemis Project
Hi Alan,
Hope all is well with you and Becky. Celia and I just returned from 10
days in MauL We had a very relaxing time and only one day of severe,
but warm weather. We had winds of 52 mph and high surf which caused more
problems for Kaanapali resorts.
I was hoping to attend the council meeting Tuesday night and speak in
favor of the Bemis project. However, because of my tight travel schedule
( I am leaving for a business meeting in London on Weds. morning), I am
chairing a meeting for the Rogue Valley Medical Center Rebuild at the
time the council is meeting. Here is what I would say if I were able to
attend the meeting:
The Bemis project is good for our city as it will cover an area that is
an unsightly parking lot that distracts from the beautiful cabaret
theater and Oregon Shakespeare Theater and City of Ashland Parking
Garage. The Bemis project will enhance the neighborhood and is
definitely in character for our downtown area.
It is a shame that a few malcontents have appealed this project to the
council after it was approved my the Planning Dept. These malcontents
who oppose the project are Ashland "takers", not "givers". You don't see
their names in charitable giving projects. I hope you are able to put in
a positive word for me on this great project.
Regards, Jed
Jed D. Meese
88 Granite Street
Ashland, OR 97520
. .
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Mary Jo Owens <mjrowens@yahoo.com>
<awdb@aol.com>
1/20/04 10:31 AM
Please turn down the Bemis Project!
We hope you will seriously look at the impact the
proposed Bemis project will have on Ashland's downtown
area, not only the aesthetics, but traffic and
parking. If the plans hadn't been rushed through, the
45,000 sq. ft. limitation would have been in effect.
Please turn down this project.
Sincerely, .
Mary Jo and LeRoy Owens
667 Park St.
Ashland
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From: <JandreauM@aol.com>
To: <Awdb@aol.com>, <donlaws@mind.net>, <cate@mind.net>, <jmorrison@rvcog.org>,
<Cehearn@aol.com>, <katejackson@opendoor.com>
Date: 1/20/043:19PM
Subject: Reject Bemis Big Box Project!
Please reject the proposed 80,000 sq. foot Bemis project slated for the City
of Ashland. I am a native-born Ashlander, and strongly protest this type of
structure in our beautiful small city.
Ashland is unique; we don't need to transform it into another "Walmart"-type
landscape. Tourists don't visit Ashland for another mall. People don't move
to Ashland to live in a "typical city." We are special. Please, please keep
it that way. Please don't follow in the footsteps of a former Ashland mayor
who destroyed much of the beauty of Ashland (I was born here--I remember the
lost landmarks that could have been restored and added to the treasure that is
Ashland's particular signature).
Please be remembered for maintaining the Ashland that is world-famous.
Bigger is definitely not better.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful consideration in this matter.
Marie M. Jandreau
1837 Ashland Mine Road
Ashland, OR 97520
(541) 261-2970
P .S. I was born in 1946-same year as Lithia Motors and Omars. A lot has
improved in Ashland since that time. But improvement should reflect more than
financial expediency. Be brave.
. . II
TO THOSE CONCERNED ABOUT THE BEMIS PROJECT:.
I try to respond to all messages and inquiries from Ashland citizens promptly and
individually. Unfortunately, on matters that may be appealed to the Council as land-use
decisions, our City Attorney has advised us that it is far better not to read messages or
talk about such issues individually. Under state law, land use decisions are quasi-judicial
matters and have to be done according to detailed rules to maintain as much impartiality
and fairness as possible. Although there are ways to communicate with individuals if
everything said and any conclusions you draw from such communications are fully
reported at the AppealsHearing, our attorney says it is cleaner and wiser to avoid such
communications completely.
This does not make me particularly happy since trying to share your information
at a public hearing or written message for the whole Council that is forwarded through
the Planning Division is difficult for many. However, to maintain.the integrity of the
process, I am following our attorney's advice.
Please feel free to. contact me directly on any other type of issue facing the city in
the future.
Sincerely,
Don Laws, City Councilor
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