Truth In Site, the local opposition group to the development of the new Oregon State University-Cascades site on Bend’s West Side due to concerns over traffic burdens and the possible damage to the West Side’s aesthetic and culture, filed a second appeal in November with the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.

However, the proceedings have been held up due to a records dispute that LUBA has yet to decide on, according to City Attorney Mary A. Winters.

“Truth In Site objected to the record filed by the city,” said Winters. “Both the City and OSU have filed responses, so the next step is for LUBA to rule because the briefing doesn’t start until the administrative record – which is everything that happened in front of the hearing officer and the city council and all the documents submitted by everyone – is resolved. Then, they will have 21 days to file a petition and then we have a certain amount of time to respond.”

In the meantime, the City of Bend’s Central Westside Plan community advisory committee began a series of meetings on Jan. 20 that will continue over the next 12 to 18 months, according to City of Bend’s website. The committee will be responsible for making recommendations regarding transportation and land use issues on Bend’s West Side in order to accommodate the anticipated growth that new businesses and the new OSU-Cascades campus will bring to the area.

The next meeting will be held on Feb. 26 at the Rosie Bareis Community Campus and is open to the public.

The committee will also include a six-member sub-Project Stakeholder Group that will meet as needed. The PSG will include OSU-Cascades’ Facilities and Operations Manager, John Condon,  who is also a civil engineer.

Kelli Pangle | The Broadside

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