Jefferson County Has Options - Erik Kancler, Bend

[Sent to Senators Westlund, Walker, Metsger, Morse, Kruse, and Johnson:]

I would like to see the following Bulletin article (dated 4/24/07) submitted to the record on SB 30.

The purpose of doing so is to illustrate that Jefferson County need not rely solely on the Metolius for an infusion of resort-oriented dollars. Although the development discussed in the article would not technically be a “destination resort,” its 5,500 units (if ever built) would provide roughly the same level of property tax income as would a Goal 8 resort of the same size.

By no means am I supportive of this development, which is being spawned out of a Measure 37 claim, but it does show that someone thinks there’s a lot of potential to the north and east of Madras along Trout Creek.

Bottom line: the argument that Jefferson County must rely solely on the Metolius Basin for an economic boost is a tenuous one at best, and I would hope that it be dismissed. If need be, Jefferson County – upon passage of SB 30 – could be offered a waiver so that it doesn’t have to wait 30 months before pursuing another resort remapping process.

Yours,

-Erik Kancler

Article:
Big plans for tiny Ashwood
Longtime landowners' proposal calls for 5,500-homesite recreational community
By Jeff McDonald / The Bulletin
Published: April 24. 2007 5:00AM PST

[To save on space, only selected passages are posted.]
...
"The former mining community of Ashwood, with a population of about 50 people, could undergo a massive transformation in years ahead if longtime Jefferson County residents' plans are realized.
Tom and Marian McDonald, who have a family history in the Ashwood area dating back four generations to the late 1800s, have plans to convert their 6,240 acres near the one-time gold- and mercury-mining town into a residential or recreational community, said Jeff Myhre, a designer and consultant with Portland-based Myhre Group Architects Inc.
The Ashwood development, marked by ample sagebrush, juniper, rock formations and cattle, could include up to 5,500 homesites about 20 miles northeast of Madras, according to a Measure 37 claim filed with Jefferson County's Planning Department."
...
"'They want to create a community that offers people more affordable rural living similar to destination resort projects in Central Oregon, but without the bells and whistles,' Jeff Myhre said. 'The greatest amenity is the surrounding natural area.'
The Ashwood development could include equestrian trails, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a dance hall, according to plans submitted by the Myhre Group."
...
"The Ashwood project would include homesites ranging in size from a quarter-acre to 5.5 acres, according to the Measure 37 claims form filed with the county's Planning Department.
Because it would not have overnight lodging and other tourism-related amenities, Myhre would not call the planned project a destination resort.
'We're not looking at creating a manmade environment with golf courses or anything of the sort,' Myhre said. 'We want a rural recreational community with high-quality architecture that would give its residences seclusion and privacy and provide services - if they are sustainable.'
By comparison, Black Butte Ranch west of Sisters is 1,830 acres; Sunriver Resort, 3,800 acres; and Crooked River Ranch, about 11,000 acres.
'It is significant because of the size, the location is very unique and it's located in a canyon on a hillside with views and natural features,' Myhre said."

[The full article can be seen at http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070424/NEWS01/704240368/1011&nav_category= (subscription required)]