Council OKs Gutenberg College code change

The Sisters City Council voted Thursday to approve an amended version of the code amendment recommended by the Sisters Urban Area Planning commission that will pave the way for allowing Gutenberg College to occupy the former Weitech building in the light industrial zoned lot just west of the new post office building.

Councilor Wendy Holzman proposed an amendment to the motion that would restrict colleges/universities in the light industrial zone to lots that abut Larch Street or have access to Larch Street.

"I believe that the added language protects the integrity of the development code, supports the light industrial zone by keeping compatible uses together, gives the prospective investor the flexibility they need, and recognizes that those properties in the light industrial that have access to Larch function differently, and that they do serve as that transition zone from light industrial to the commercial zone across the street," said Holzman.

Jack Addison, owner of the Larch Building (sometimes known as the sheriff's building) that shares the parking lot with the former Weitech building spoke in favor of the code text amendment and in favor of Gutenberg College's move to Sisters.

Addison noted that many of Gutenberg's supporters see the potential of increased commerce due to the additional people that the college would bring to the area, "...but I say the biggest advantage is profile, because a college adds tremendous profile to a community especially a small town like ours. Profile contains all the things that draw business and commerce to a place that is initially intangible. Increased recognition and heightened profile would surely follow a college here," said Addison.

Sisters developer Steve McGhehey also spoke in favor of the text amendment, and the concept of a college in the area.

"We are very supportive of this kind of activity; the college coming to the area," said McGhehey, who is listing agent for the Sun Ranch Business Park that lies directly to the north of the proposed college site.

"I really feel that the introduction of a college out there...would really help the image of the area...Having buildings listed for three or four years without any serious activity...I've had several investors outside the area; when I mentioned that a college may be coming to town, then they were very anxious to buy a vacant building or get involved...because they think it (a college) is really a plus for the community."

There was no public comment opposing the text amendment.

At the April 14 meeting the city council will vote on the conditional use permit for siting Gutenberg College in the building. Approval of that permit would clear the way for Gutenberg to begin the process of working with the planning department for future occupancy.