What's happening on Mt. David?
SunRise Ridge: The first of two residential developments
What's happening on Mt. David? This is probably the most common question we get, so here's the latest. Mt. David, referred to on many maps as McFarland Butte, has been divided into two parcels. The property line extends almost exactly up from M St. in the Northwest Neighborhood. The property to the West of this line, known as the Hibbard property, was bought by Creswell-based developer Todd Alberts in 2004. Mr. Alberts is also the developer for the Phase 2 of the Hidden Valley subdivision at the end of Holly Avenue, along the south-western most portion of Hidden Valley Golf Course. Mr. Alberts' proposal for Mt. David (SunRise Ridge) consists of 252 homes to be built in 4 phases. His application was processed as a PUD (planned unit development) application. This means that there are, due primarily to its size and impact, many more restrictions and conditions placed on this land than would have been had he developed it as a subdivision. Developing under the PUD process (see http://www.cottagegrove.org/commdev/zoning.html#36) also requires the whole project be approved by the city council, in addition to the planning commission.
As part of his development Mr. Alberts is required to dedicate 10% of the land for use as open space. As part of his agreement with the city, Mr. Alberts will develop a 3-acre park in the lower portion (phase 1) of the development.
According to the agreement reached with the city and Friends of Mt. David, Mr. Alberts may only proceed with developing phase 1 of his project. This will consist of approximately 72 homes. Other phases may develop pending further improvements in our city's infrastructure and traffic plan.
The major concern with SunRise Ridge is the increase in traffic. M St. will serve as the major artery in and out of the development to the south. To the north, M St. is to connect at the top of Mt. David with Holly Avenue. However there are some unresolved issues with using Holly Avenue as a thoroughfare. Holly Avenue is a private road and was not developed to city standards. Therefore it cannot handle any additional traffic. Holly Avenue neighbors became so concerned that erected a gate across their road and are not allowing SunRise Ridge to connect with their side of Mt. David.. This is one of the issues that must be resolved before subsequent phases of SunRise Ridge can be developed.
To discourage traffic coming from SunRise Ridge from using northwest neighborhood streets, a series of so-called "traffic calming devices" in the form of curb "bump-outs" will be placed at intersections throughout the neighborhood. These devices will block off half the street in effect rendering them one way. The aim is to funnel traffic onto M St, then on to Main.
Construction on the infrastructure of SunRise Ridge is well underway. Storm, sewer and water pipes are being laid and roadbeds are being formed. The park area has been cleared. Construction traffic must use a restricted route to access SunRise Ridge. This was another agreement Friends of Mt. David negotiated with the developer. Construction traffic must use Main Street, then turn on M St. to get in and out of SunRise Ridge. All construction material must remain in the development area for the duration of the project.
The Other Development: Emerald Heights
The parcel directly to the east of SunRise Ridge is owned by Eugene-based real estate developer Ross Murry. Mr. Murry is currently working on several large subdivisions in Junction Ctiy and in Veneta. Cottage Grove-based realtor David Hemenway has a minor financial interest in the property along with several other partners. Together they are known as Emerald Heights LLP. The Emerald Heights parcel consists of approximately 62 acres and comprises the bulk of what most Cottage Grove residents think of as Mt. David. This parcel contains the most visible portion of Mt. David and can be seen from nearly everywhere in town.
Mr. Murry's exact plans for Mt. David are not known. The property has been annexed into the city limits and given a lower density "R" zoning designation (see http://www.cottagegrove.org/commdev/zoning.html#09) that requires a larger lot size than neighboring SunRise Ridge. Mr. Murry has yet to file a formal development application with the city, but rumors are that Emerald Heights hopes to develop more than 100 homes on this portion of Mt. David. Friends of Mt. David will work closely with Mr. Murry to assure that citizen concerns are addressed. We have submitted the Ridgeline Trail proposal to him and look forward to working with Mr. Murry on this project.