Sun Ranch Business Park gets approval for lofts

Sisters Urban Area Planning Commissioners have paved the way for a new kind of development in Sisters. At last Thursday's monthly planning meeting, Dutch Pacific got the first approval needed to build loft apartments above light industrial buildings in Sun Ranch Business Park.

Because this live/work use is not currently permitted in Sisters Comprehensive Plan, the project next needs approval from Sisters City Council.

Commissioner Dominic DeBari said it was an exciting new concept which was well-planned by the developers.

"This could very well be a feather in the cap of the city," said DeBari.

The 40-acre project includes a light industrial park, a residential neighborhood, 25 rental bungalows, a restaurant and walking paths. The land, where the former Conklin's Bed & Breakfast building sits, is on the corner of Camp Polk Road and Barclay Drive.

One commissioner had concerns about the new project and cast the only no vote. Chair David Marlow said he had "serious reservations" because he didn't want Sisters limited acres of light industrial land to be watered down by adding other uses. He voiced concerns about residential uses limiting the types of businesses which could operate downstairs, due to noise or fume problems.

"I'm still struggling with the whole residential mix," said Marlow.

"It's not really taking away industrial land. I think if we put a loft over the top, it's just an add-on," said Commissioner Carey Tosello.

City staff said Dutch Pacific's application had addressed noise concerns with additional insulation separating the two floors and with separate entrances.

"I think we've done as much as we can to make those compatible," said city planning consultant Bill Adams.

Commissioners voted to limit the total number of lofts to 60.

Commissioners discussed other aspects of the development including a portion that Dutch Pacific plans to donate to Sisters. Dutch Pacific President Shane Lundgren has given the city a letter outlining his intention to provide one acre for a well site. Some commissioners wanted a date on when the property would be transferred. After discussion, they decided to move ahead with the paperwork involved and to tie the transfer to a phase of the project rather than to an arbitrary date.

City Planning Director Brian Rankin said having a light industrial park with lofts is a unique project in Central Oregon and could give Sisters a competitive edge. Rankin said the businesses that would be attracted to the park move Sisters closer to the kind of businesses residents want.

"I believe the greater community has decided to move away from big industry and to focus on quality of life," said Rankin.

The Dutch Pacific project was approved by four to one. No one from the public spoke. The issue of amending Sisters Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed by the Sisters City Council in December.

Lundgren said his next steps are to build 10 of the cabins on the site and to remodel the old Conklin's house so that it is equipped to be a restaurant.