College seeks code change

Gutenberg College is seeking a change to the City of Sisters Development Code that would allow the small Christian liberal arts academy to set up shop in the former Weitech building in the Sisters Industrial Park.

The City of Sisters Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at Sisters City Hall on February 23, at 5:30 p.m. regarding the college's application.

The college is requesting to update the city's development code by modifying Chapter 1.3 (Definitions), Chapter 2.6 (Light Industrial District), and Chapter 3.3 (Vehicle and Bicycle Parking). Approving this action would add a definition for "colleges and universities"; would allow them as a conditionally permitted use in the LI (Light Industrial) District; and would modify the parking standards associated with colleges and universities.

The code currently allows vocational schools as a conditional use.

Gutenberg College bills itself as "a classical 'Great Books' college," offering "a broad-based liberal arts education with a curriculum centered on reading and discussing those writings that have been most significant in the formation of Western culture."

The college sees Sisters' small size, vibrant arts community and strong sense of community identity as a major draw for Gutenberg. While boarding at the school is an important component of the program, living space is not part of the application filed with the city on December 17.

The college has made a deposit on the building and is contracted to close in 2011. College officials estimate that it will take $2 million to purchase the building and perhaps another $1.5 million to ready it for students and to cover moving and other expenses.

The soonest the college could be in place in Sisters would be fall of 2011. If it doesn't happen then, it would likely be summer of 2012 before the move could be made.

Questions or concerns regarding this application should be directed to the Community Development Department at Sisters City Hall. Contact city planner Eric Porter at 541-549-6022.