Community group shares options on USFS land sale

A community group has been studying the best uses of the U.S. Forest Service land sale and is making a presentation on its findings to the Sisters City Council Thursday morning, January 18.

The Sisters Ranger District is planning to sell most of its 80 acres of land and build new offices and facilities on another site near Sisters. Its National Forest Land acreage is within Sisters' urban growth boundary and could be re-zoned for a variety of uses.

"We'll present what we've learned so far. We've narrowed it down to three alternatives," said committee member Sue Anderson.

The team of community members led by developer Bill Willitts includes Kathy Deggendorfer, Rob Corrigan and Anderson. The ad hoc committee wants to insure development on the land benefits the local needs of the community. The large land sale has brought inquiries from international developers.

Anderson said there are still a lot of "what ifs," and the committee is interested in feedback from the council. She said the committee will need another few weeks to make a final report.

Anderson has compiled a "wish list" of community needs showing residents want to use the land for a variety of uses, including housing, an aquatic center, skating rink, visitors' center, performing arts stage and gardens.

Anderson said the committee welcomes more brain power.

"We need more members of the community," said Anderson. She added committee members meet every two weeks.

The Sisters City Council workshop is Thursday, January 18, at 8 a.m. at City Hall. The committee will make a 20-minute presentation and then open it up for questions and answers. The public is welcome to attend.