By A.K. Dugan, Lebanon Express writer | Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:00 am
The unanimous recommendation by the Planning Commission last week for a change in comprehensive plan and zoning designations of land at the foot of Ridgeway Butte is the first step toward a mixed use development east of the South Santiam River.
The 73.5 acres in two tax lots is between the river on the west and Berlin Road on the east and is south of the Grant Street Bridge.
The commission approved a change from residential mixed density to mixed use. The change broadens development possibilities from residential only to residential, commercial and/or light industrial.
The final decision on changing the comprehensive plan and zoning designations will be made by the city council.
Most of the northern half of the property and the tip of the southern end is wooded and includes ponds - three larger ones toward the north and a few smaller ones to the south. About 43 acres in the southern half of the parcel, is mostly clear and is buildable.
The property, referred to as Ridgeway Landing, is owned by Ridgeway Butte LLC, which also is planning to develop the butte into a 285-lot subdivision.
The property once held a Morse Bros. asphalt batch plant and was the home of the Strawberry Festival in the 1990s. Several years ago, ownership was transferred to Northwest Christian College, which later sold it to Mike Bruer, who sold it to Ridgeway Butte.
A draft conceptual development plan included in documents provided to the planning commission shows possible future uses of the parcel, including family and senior housing, cinema, restaurant, and offices.
Any development proposal requires additional hearings before the commission.