City Council wants to add 4,400 acres to Medford’s urban areas.
Before the urban growth boundary becomes official, it will have to be approved by Jackson County and then by the Land Conservation and Development Commission.
Not including the two parks, the city proposes adding 1,669 acres of buildable land. Most of the land proposed for Medford’s growth is to the northeast and southeast. There are parcels north of East Vilas Road; land east of North Phoenix Road; Hillcrest Orchards, where RoxyAnn Winery sits; and Centennial Golf Club, owned by the Rogue Valley Manor. Smaller parcels are proposed south of Garfield Street and west of town.
(READ MORE: Mail Tribune)
The expansion of urban growth boundaries is commonly regarded as a solution to the housing crisis, as it makes more land available for housing.
Currently, the Housing Authority of Jackson County is under pressure to provide affordable housing to the 5,416 people on a three-year waiting list anticipating rental vouchers, according to The Skanner.
The Housing Authority also builds and manages its own housing. With new projects in the pipeline, the agency will manage nearly 1,500 units, said Jason Elzy, director of development.
The Concord, a $12.5 million apartment complex with 50 units being built in downtown Medford, is its largest current project in Jackson County. Rent will range from $456 to $584 for one- and two-bedroom apartments.
(READ MORE: The Skanner)
