New-home site would require zoning change
3/22/2006Developers are eying 27 acres east of Pearson Metropark in Oregon as an optimal site to build a subdivision, but some nearby residents are not receptive to the idea.
To develop the single-family homes, Oregon City Council would have to change the zoning on the two parcels north of Navarre Avenue just east of Wynn Road from R-1 low-density residential to R-4 planned-unit development the city s strictest zoning requirement because the homes would be close to the lot lines.
Jack Laskey of J.A. Laskey and Associates Ltd. in Waterville said his proposed subdivision would hold 79 bungalow-style homes that would be between 1,600 and 2,100 square feet, and would cost between $175,000 and $225,000.
All the homes in the subdivision, which would be called The Bungalows at Pearson Park, would have basements or crawl spaces, a two-car garage, and large front porches that face opposite the street into a wide, green space, Mr. Laskey said.
In addition, he said there would be one access road off Navarre and possibly a cut-through drive to Pearson.
The Oregon Planning Commission voted 5-0 last month to recommend to council that the zoning on the two neighboring parcels at 5135 Navarre and 5205 Navarre be changed.
Council will consider the matter on Monday, and will most likely vote after the required public hearing, where a number
of residents are expected to voice their concerns on increased traffic and drainage problems.
Lyle Nissen, 69, of 5132 Parkside Drive, said that along with his concerns about the types of homes planned and their proximity to the railroad tracks, he s not pleased with his street becoming a possible cut-through.
We ve had a very peaceful, quiet street with no basketballs bouncing, no music, and no hot cars, he said. If they can cut through here, they ll use this street all the time. It s going to be a nightmare.
Also on Monday, Council may once again continue a public hearing opened on Feb. 27 regarding a proposed subdivision across the street from Clay High School on 56 acres off Seaman Road.
Developers asking to change the zoning from R-1 low-density residential to R-2 medium-density residential tangled with about 60 residents at February s public hearing, who were at the meeting past 12:30 a.m. to speak out against the proposed change.
I am vehemently opposed to the change in this zoning, said Cliff Smith, 5615 Starr Ave. Unplanned growth and spot zoning in this city are not compatible with community excellence.
But because there was concern over landlocking the city s recreation complex with adjacent housing developments, members of council s recreation committee asked the city administration to explore acquiring the land for the city to expand the complex.
If council foregoes buying the land and a zoning change is approved, it would clear a path for the proposed Claystone subdivision, which is slated to hold 124 two-story, single-family homes costing $225,000 and up.
Members of the city s planning commission unanimously voted to recommend to council that the zoning be changed for the project that is slated to take four to five years to complete.