Sisters poised for growth boom

The Sisters area will likely become a lot more populous -- and a lot denser -- over the next 10 years.

Since the sewer installation and last year's ordinance changes, the minimum size for a buildable lot in the City of Sisters has dropped from 20,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet.

That means 122 residential lots in the City of Sisters could be partitioned into 1,101 lots. A standing code allows for the construction of duplexes on these lots, making it possible for two dwellings to exist on one 6,000 square foot residential lot.

Lands outside the Urban Growth Boundary are filling up. There are currently 5,857 buildable lots in the Sisters School District, according to county planner Chris Schmoyer. Of these, 1,684 are vacant. Deschutes County Community Development Director George Read projects these lots will be developed by 2018.

The 2000 Census reported 959 residents in the City of Sisters. Portland State University conducted a survey in July of 2001 stating that the population was 960.

That number reflects slower growth in the city than had been projected in the '90s.

The 1997 Deschutes County Coordinated Population Forecast projected a population of 1,100 residents in 2000. A new Coordinated Population Forecast is currently being developed.

"Statistics are not always a reliable source," said Neil Thompson, City Planner for the City of Sisters.

Thompson points out that the population in Sisters was the same in 1994 as it was in 1940. As the county mushroomed in size, the city grew very little. That situation is not expected to continue.

The changes that the sewer may bring to Sisters --densification in residential areas, new business and job opportunities -- remain to be seen. The effect of change has yet to be fully realized, and can only be speculated upon.

However, veterans in the game of speculation -- developers -- see a likelihood for growth in Sisters.

"We are optimistic about the growth potential in Sisters. That's why we are invested here," said Eldon Howard, who developed The Pines subdivision at the west end of Sisters.

Residential subdivisions are under development at Pine Meadow Ranch; Timber Creek and Creekside near Sisters Elementary School; Coyote Springs near Buck Run; as well as at The Pines.

Planners recently approved 13 new lots near Rolling Horse Meadow. And hearings were set for this week on two more subdivisions off Larch Street at the north end of town.