http://www.cgsentinel.com/articles/2005/02/16/news/news03.txt
http://www.cgsentinel.com/articles/2005/02/16/news/news03.txt
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Council supports SunRise Ridge
by Josh Lintereur- For the Sentinel
A new housing development is in the works following the City Council's decision Monday night to endorse a proposal to annex 90 acres into the city.
The annexation isn't final without approval from the Lane County Boundary Commission, but receiving the city's support is a key step in the application process.
The property is located north of city limits at 405 N. P St. and is within the urban growth boundary.
While the developers haven't made any formal proposals regarding development of the property, they have discussed the potential for a planned unit development of more than 200 single-family homes, City Manager Richard Meyers said, although any new housing in the annexed area would be built gradually.
Meyers said that while new housing isn't necessarily a boon for property tax revenues, the city benefits from the role that newer homes play in attracting a talented work force.
"I think in the long run it's a good thing for the community," he said, also pointing out there is room for new housing development as the city's population growth is above the state average.
Two additional proposed annexations endorsed by the council Monday night could also lead to several smaller housing developments, according to council memos. Neither will be annexed into the city without approval from the boundary commission.
The Cottage Grove Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses is seeking to annex property located at 78019 S. Sixth St. into the city. Two acres from the church property would possibly be used for single-family residential development.
In addition, Kenneth and Jean Harris are applying for the annexation of a vacant parcel of land at the west end of Birch Avenue. Development plans would potentially create several single-family homes as well.
In other action, councilors:
? Adopted a resolution establishing a city employee cell phone usage policy restricting personal use of cell phones during work hours and allowing certain employees to be paid a taxable monthly allowance of $45 to acquire a cell phone for personal and business use.
? Passed an ordinance introduced at the Jan. 24 meeting to rezone 16 city parks as parks and open space.
? Scheduled a work session for Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. to discuss a policy for financing expected repairs to the city's aging infrastructure facilities
? Viewed a video presentation by Public Works Director Bob Sisson regarding upcoming repairs to stop leaks in one of the city's water reservoirs.