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Resort plan scrutinized
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| H&N file photo by Ty Beaver Ron Hand, of W&H Pacific in Bend, points out features of a parcel of property west of Crescent slated for development during a tour last year. |
By TY BEAVER
H&N Staff Writer
Water rights and resources and traffic impacts were among concerns cited at the last formal public hearing for the proposed Crescent Creek Resort in northern Klamath County.
The public hearing was a continuation of the Klamath County planning commission’s Saturday hearing about approval of the resort’s master plan. A final decision isn’t expected until the commission meets at 6 p.m., Oct. 28.
Those living in or near La Pine on the Deschutes-Klamath border said traffic studies weren’t thorough enough, and others testified that aquifers in the region are already strained.
“I know three wells that had to be re-dug because they lost their water,” said area resident Joice Lytle.
Cascade Timberlands, the company developing the resort, said it planned to address the traffic concerns brought up by La Pine residents.
Others testified in support of the resort, citing its future economic impact on the area.
About the plan
Developers filed an early July application to develop the more than 5,500-acre resort. Plans include nearly 800 lodging rooms and close to 2,000 single-family homes, as well as two 18-hole golf courses, a restaurant and lodge and trails for hiking, mountain biking, and possibly horse riding in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter.
The development would be along both sides of Crescent Creek, a slow-winding stream. The land is primarily previously harvested timber and offers views of Diamond Peaks, Mount McLoughlin and Mount Bachelor. There are narrow canyons with sheer rock walls and a massive lava flow.
Traffic and water
Tuesday’s meeting included a teleconference with those gathered in Crescent. Christine Nelson, city manager of La Pine, said the town already has several failing intersections because of traffic loads and requested the commissioners postpone their process until those concerns were dealt with.
Other Crescent residents were concerned about the water rights the resort will have and its potential impact on the region’s aquifers. One La Pine resident told the commissioners they would be held responsible for any degradation in water quality or quantity from the project.
Developers and Devin Hearing, a senior planner with Oregon Department of Transportation, said the city of La Pine has valid concerns about traffic and they would work to address them. Joe Bessman, a traffic analyst, said it was an oversight that the original studies did not fully take into account the impact on the town.
Other residents were more supportive of the development, saying it could bring benefits such as increased funding for public safety and more opportunity for economic development.
“By bringing in this resort, it will bring in much more services and much more business,” said Sally Murray of Crescent Lake Realty.
How to comment
The public has until Sept. 19 to submit written testimony on the proposed Crescent Creek Resort.
The commissioners extended the comment period to allow more time for people to submit testimony. After Sept. 19, the applicant has until Sept. 26 to file rebuttals with the planning commission. All final arguments are due by Oct. 10.
Planning commissioners will render a final decision at their Oct. 28 meeting.
The public hearing was a continuation of the Klamath County planning commission’s Saturday hearing about approval of the resort’s master plan. A final decision isn’t expected until the commission meets at 6 p.m., Oct. 28.
Those living in or near La Pine on the Deschutes-Klamath border said traffic studies weren’t thorough enough, and others testified that aquifers in the region are already strained.
“I know three wells that had to be re-dug because they lost their water,” said area resident Joice Lytle.
Cascade Timberlands, the company developing the resort, said it planned to address the traffic concerns brought up by La Pine residents.
Others testified in support of the resort, citing its future economic impact on the area.
About the plan
Developers filed an early July application to develop the more than 5,500-acre resort. Plans include nearly 800 lodging rooms and close to 2,000 single-family homes, as well as two 18-hole golf courses, a restaurant and lodge and trails for hiking, mountain biking, and possibly horse riding in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter.
The development would be along both sides of Crescent Creek, a slow-winding stream. The land is primarily previously harvested timber and offers views of Diamond Peaks, Mount McLoughlin and Mount Bachelor. There are narrow canyons with sheer rock walls and a massive lava flow.
Traffic and water
Tuesday’s meeting included a teleconference with those gathered in Crescent. Christine Nelson, city manager of La Pine, said the town already has several failing intersections because of traffic loads and requested the commissioners postpone their process until those concerns were dealt with.
Other Crescent residents were concerned about the water rights the resort will have and its potential impact on the region’s aquifers. One La Pine resident told the commissioners they would be held responsible for any degradation in water quality or quantity from the project.
Developers and Devin Hearing, a senior planner with Oregon Department of Transportation, said the city of La Pine has valid concerns about traffic and they would work to address them. Joe Bessman, a traffic analyst, said it was an oversight that the original studies did not fully take into account the impact on the town.
Other residents were more supportive of the development, saying it could bring benefits such as increased funding for public safety and more opportunity for economic development.
“By bringing in this resort, it will bring in much more services and much more business,” said Sally Murray of Crescent Lake Realty.
How to comment
The public has until Sept. 19 to submit written testimony on the proposed Crescent Creek Resort.
The commissioners extended the comment period to allow more time for people to submit testimony. After Sept. 19, the applicant has until Sept. 26 to file rebuttals with the planning commission. All final arguments are due by Oct. 10.
Planning commissioners will render a final decision at their Oct. 28 meeting.
Reader Comments
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Bill wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:29 PM:
" Having attended many of the planning meetings for this resort, I believe they have tried to address every concern presented to them. Our area is dying. We need jobs and the influx of tax dollars to our area. Our kids are leaving because they can't feed their children on the minimum wages available. How can we "enjoy" our communities when our families have been laid off from .jobs they have had most of their lives? Have you looked at the bankruptcy and foreclosure rates? Environmentalists will try to squash this plan and we need to stand up and fight for our communities. We believe the resort will be "good neighbors" and will listen and respond to our concerns. Their plans have been well thought out and they have changed their plan repeatedly to add wildlife corridors, safety zones for the creek and water right mitigation. They have to deal with traffic issues in all the communities surrounding them and public safety. Let's work together to make this a positive for all our communities. "
Jim wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:21 AM:
" To Jack R
The Running Y did nothing for Klamath Falls? look at all the development going on down around Washburn Way and they are looking at developing it all the way out to 140 we would not have the business moving to this area if we did not have people moving here! Sure the Economy has taken a hit and housing is down but if you can look to the future and see the Y and Ridgewater ten years from now and see that those higher end houses bring higher end money with disposable incomes here to the Basin. it is just frustrating to hear all the negative stuff about development then the flipside is the no good jobs here for the people of K-Falls when in life do you get your cake and eat it too? Sacrifices have to be made for there to be improvement. "
The Running Y did nothing for Klamath Falls? look at all the development going on down around Washburn Way and they are looking at developing it all the way out to 140 we would not have the business moving to this area if we did not have people moving here! Sure the Economy has taken a hit and housing is down but if you can look to the future and see the Y and Ridgewater ten years from now and see that those higher end houses bring higher end money with disposable incomes here to the Basin. it is just frustrating to hear all the negative stuff about development then the flipside is the no good jobs here for the people of K-Falls when in life do you get your cake and eat it too? Sacrifices have to be made for there to be improvement. "
Dave B. wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:46 AM:
" All about money for a few people......That is all it is. There is not much left of "Oregon" anymore. Why can't people just enjoy it for what it is? Leave things alone...a resounding NO! for any development in that area. "
Jack R wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:34 AM:
" This development will do exactly what the Running Y did for Klamath Falls, nothing!
Sure there'll be a massive flux of jobs for construction, then services, but long term, nada! And for a Murray to say what she said is absolutely correct because her job will be guarantee for life as real estate turns over.
What you want is commercialism, jobs, employment, get a industry that'll hire 1600 and that's progress!
Oh by the way, you forgot about that little thing called "water!" And I didn't see any "Green Plan!" Where's the development solar and wind ideas? "
Sure there'll be a massive flux of jobs for construction, then services, but long term, nada! And for a Murray to say what she said is absolutely correct because her job will be guarantee for life as real estate turns over.
What you want is commercialism, jobs, employment, get a industry that'll hire 1600 and that's progress!
Oh by the way, you forgot about that little thing called "water!" And I didn't see any "Green Plan!" Where's the development solar and wind ideas? "
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Larry wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:38 PM: