TIGHTER RULES FOR PARKING?
By Anne Scheck
City lots with cars parked for extended periods and residential streets that have become parking spots for large commercial vehicles are getting tighter scrutiny, thanks to the city’s Traffic Safety Commission. The all-volunteer commissioners have been fielding complaints about both these issues “for quite some time,” according to Independence Police Chief Robert Mason.
In a work session aimed at giving this issue a closer look, Independence city councilors were informed that day-long parking is occurring in two city-owned lots – one at Prestige Cinema, the other behind the Elks Club – and trailer-trucks are being parked on residential streets near downtown. “Right now our (city) code doesn’t have much to say about this,” Chief Mason observed.
City Councilor Shannon Corr urged that, aside from suggesting more restrictions to reduce these parking problems, possible alternatives should be proposed. Chief Mason agreed, predicting even public discussion could become an “emotional” topic. The matter has been sent back to commissioners, for closer examination and potential solutions.
City lots with cars parked for extended periods and residential streets that have become parking spots for large commercial vehicles are getting tighter scrutiny, thanks to the city’s Traffic Safety Commission. The all-volunteer commissioners have been fielding complaints about both these issues “for quite some time,” according to Independence Police Chief Robert Mason.
In a work session aimed at giving this issue a closer look, Independence city councilors were informed that day-long parking is occurring in two city-owned lots – one at Prestige Cinema, the other behind the Elks Club – and trailer-trucks are being parked on residential streets near downtown. “Right now our (city) code doesn’t have much to say about this,” Chief Mason observed.
City Councilor Shannon Corr urged that, aside from suggesting more restrictions to reduce these parking problems, possible alternatives should be proposed. Chief Mason agreed, predicting even public discussion could become an “emotional” topic. The matter has been sent back to commissioners, for closer examination and potential solutions.
NEW INVESTOR, OLD BUILDINGS
A proposal to purchase three commercial sites downtown, including the old city hall and Independence Station, needs to include incentives that were provided to the previous owner so that a new investor can move forward, according to the executive on the proposed project, Patrick Carney.
“We’re confident this can happen in a reasonable time frame, assuming the city credits are still available – as they once were in a prior agreement, from what we understand,” said Mr. Carney, of Salem-based GoMacGo LLC. The last purchase agreement for the former city hall was to include a rebate of $300,000 to the buyer, which was linked to meeting certain construction milestones.
Mr. Carney made the statements in an address at the last Independence City Council meeting, where he identified the old city hall – currently housing a brewery – as a priority. Contract negotiations with the city are underway, he said. If the deal is sealed, the new ownership will mark the third one thus far for both the old city hall and Independence Station.
Mr. Carney provided several examples of successful ventures involving his company, including an industrial property in McMinnville that has been re-purposed as mixed-use development.
In a separate presentation, Aaron Young, who is building a commercial-residential complex called Osprey Point across from The Independence Hotel, said he hoped “that as a city, and as a community, we can give them (GoMacGo) the tools they need to move forward.” Mr. Young added that the condition of the soil at the building site for Osprey Point had proven a “challenge,” but he expects faster progress soon.
“We’re confident this can happen in a reasonable time frame, assuming the city credits are still available – as they once were in a prior agreement, from what we understand,” said Mr. Carney, of Salem-based GoMacGo LLC. The last purchase agreement for the former city hall was to include a rebate of $300,000 to the buyer, which was linked to meeting certain construction milestones.
Mr. Carney made the statements in an address at the last Independence City Council meeting, where he identified the old city hall – currently housing a brewery – as a priority. Contract negotiations with the city are underway, he said. If the deal is sealed, the new ownership will mark the third one thus far for both the old city hall and Independence Station.
Mr. Carney provided several examples of successful ventures involving his company, including an industrial property in McMinnville that has been re-purposed as mixed-use development.
In a separate presentation, Aaron Young, who is building a commercial-residential complex called Osprey Point across from The Independence Hotel, said he hoped “that as a city, and as a community, we can give them (GoMacGo) the tools they need to move forward.” Mr. Young added that the condition of the soil at the building site for Osprey Point had proven a “challenge,” but he expects faster progress soon.
CODE UPDATE
New standards for duplexes are part of the city’s revised development code, which will be presented in draft form Monday night to city planning commissioners at their monthly meeting. This coming year, two residential homes per single-family lot will be allowed – the result of an Oregon legislative mandate to enable more residences to be built on less land in cities across the state. The lawmakers approved this measure as a way to provide more affordable housing.
Date to Note
City Planning Commission 7 pm Monday, Dec 2, Civic Center. WINTER FEST, a holiday celebration with activities, is Saturday, Dec 7 in Riverview Park – and downtown.
FINAL NOTE: ~NEW MUSEUM BY-LAWS INCLUDE ADMISSION FEE POSSIBILITY~
By-laws for the Heritage Museum were adopted at the last city council meeting – and the rules would allow an admission price to be established. However, an actual pricing proposal would have to be taken to the city council before such a fee could be enacted. The museum is relocating to a corner on a block downtown across from the post office.
RSS Feed