City Government

05-11-2006 08:51 AM

Urban Area Planning Commission denies application for 12-lot subdivision
Three unsafe intersections in the area cited as criterion for denial

By TIM BURLESON

GRANTS PASS, OR - During their regular meeting last night the Urban Area Planning Commission (UAPC) heard and denied an application for Prairie Glen II, a proposed 12-lot subdivision in the Redwood Area. The subdivision would be located within the City's Urban Growth Boundary at Abby Lane in the area of Willow Lane and Redwood Avenue.

The application was denied by a 5-3 vote. Commissioners Ferris Simpson, William Kangas, Pat Patterson, Robert Bean and Denver Huff voted in favor of the denial. Commissioners Loree Arthur, Edward Farrar and Gerald Fitzgerald voted against the denial.

Prior to the vote by UAPC commissioners, City staff said the application did not meet approval criterion because the City's Development code requires area intersections to be rated at Level Of Safety (LOS) of 'D' or higher.

According to the City's report, three area intersections failed to meet approval criterion:

1. Intersection of Highway 199 and Hubbard Lane - Southbound Lane (LOS 'F')
2. Intersection of Dowell Road and Redwood Avenue - Northbound Lane (LOS 'E') and Southbound Lane (LOS 'F')
3. Intersection of Redwood Avenue and Allen Creek Road - Northbound Lane (LOS 'F')

The City's report noted that a traffic signal at the intersection of Dowell Road and Redwood Avenue is scheduled for installation in January 2007.

Perry Wickham, speaking on behalf of the applicant, Jacoby Development, said that a signal at Dowell Road had been in discussion for over three years. "The signal should be fast tracked," he said. "The City can move when it wants to. They were able to build a park in only two days."

Denial of the subdivision application can appealed to the Grants Pass City Council.

Reach reporter Tim Burleson at 761-0195 or tim@grantspassclimate.com

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