Sisters poised on brink of change

Sisters is on the verge of significant and lasting changes as local government develops a plan for a couplet, expands the Urban Growth Boundary and attempts to promote economic development.

Developers and civic action groups are also weighing in to shape the future of the town.

In early January, the City of Sisters drafted the "Goals, Staff Work Plan 2004" to create "where are we headed" vision statements.

At the top of this document it states, "Vision: people of all ages and income levels can live and work in Sisters," followed by, "The small town feeling is preserved."

Part of this "small town feel" is the Western 1880s architecture that adorns most of Sisters' buildings.

Developer and Realtor Steve McGhehey explained that there is a fine balance in creating Sisters' architectural theme.

"We want to have a Western theme...but not corny. This is not a movie set," he said. "Not all the roofs can be flat with phony fronts on them."

Judy Trego, director of the Citizen Action Team of Sisters (CATS), described Sisters' "village atmosphere" and said CATS' goal is to retain that feel.

For Trego, one element of the village atmosphere is for pedestrians to be able to walk to work, school, or shopping without being intimidated by 18-wheelers.

Trego said, "I think we're sick of the hustle and bustle and people would rather be able to walk to the market, the video store, the post office."

CATS has been instrumental in creating a plan for a comprehensive community trail system.

Trego thinks that the proposed Hood Avenue/Main Avenue couplet plan will complement the trail system. She doesn't expect to see three busy streets with Hood, Main, and Cascade Avenues encompassed within the couplet plan.

Others have some concerns.

"I am concerned about the care given to the couplet, because the couplet destroyed Redmond," McGhehey said. "If we start straightening it out and getting rid of the islands (Pine Meadow Development) and have those 18-wheelers going two ways through town, I don't think we accomplish anything. Ruining value and charm is to do the couplet wrong."

There is a fine line to walk in preserving a small-town feel and still providing opportunities for people to live and work in Sisters.

Trego is reluctant to see Sisters become a "bedroom community" where large portions of Sisters citizens commute to Bend or Redmond. She would also prefer to see Sisters' businesses be home grown.

"I don't think you can go out and recruit businesses here and I think it's wrong to do that," Trego said. "We have the opportunity here to identify people who want to start businesses."

CATS is still revising its Sisters Strategic Action Plan for Economic Development, which was written in 2002 in cooperation with the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Sisters and the private, non-profit group Economic Development for Central Oregon.

This document outlines goals identifying a need to support existing businesses and to locate funding and expertise to promote entrepreneurship.

The Economic Development for Sisters Committee, composed of city, chamber and community representatives, is supposed to implement the plan. Currently, implementation is on hold.

According to Ric Nowak, chairman of the committee, there will be a public unveiling of the revised plan in May. After receiving community input, the committee will then act on the plan.

Housing is also considered a critical aspect of Sisters' future.

Through expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary and creation of Neighborhood Centers, the city will attempt to provide housing for all levels of income by requiring 10 percent "low income housing" in those new developments.

Sisters demographics are changing. In the 1990 census, Sisters had a 61 percent low-to-moderate income compared to the rest of the United States. In the 2000 census, Sisters had a 60 percent moderate-to-high level income.

City Manager Eileen Stein said, "The fear is that the trend is headed the other way (average income levels); that when you take the 2010 census you'll see the majority of residents have above the median income."

Why try to reverse this trend?

Stein answered, "Having your income levels equally distributed -- I couldn't quote you research on that but my intuition tells me that that's just more desirable."

Developer McGhehey concurs.

"If people want to come here you don't say no," McGhehey said. "That doesn't protect it. People want to come here and I think a community that has all the age groups and income groups living in and amongst it is a healthier community."

The ability to keep a small-town feeling and provide housing and work for all sorts of people is a challenge in a town seen as a budding Aspen.

In fact, that designation itself represents two opposing views of the future: some anticipate a vibrant, exciting resort community where others see an exclusive enclave where it's hard to make a living or find a place to live.

"I hear some people saying, 'We're going to become the next Aspen (with enthusiasm),' Stein said. And other people say, 'Oh my God. We're going to become the next Aspen.

"It's the same statement; it just depends on how you say it," Stein said.