Alliance opposes development

Recent legislative efforts to allow for development of land owned by the Cyrus family east of Sisters have seeded the growth of a grassroots organization known as OLAWA - Oregon Land and Water Alliance.

OLAWA bills itself as "a non-partisan organization united around a shared belief that our laws should apply to all Oregonians equally. We are organizing to inform community members of the on-going efforts of one Central Oregon developer to supersite a controversial resort near Sisters. We oppose this proposal, in part because it threatens our quality of life and the rural character of the Sisters Country."

The group plans a "community discussion" on Sunday, November 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sisters Art Works, 204 W. Adams Ave.

According to one of the organizers, Dennis McGregor, all are welcome to attend, including representatives of the Cyrus family.

"We expect them to show up - and they'll be welcome," he said.

A working group formed at the behest of Rep. John Huffman (R - The Dalles) and the governor's office is seeking to form a consensus as to whether current law should be changed to allow the use of "Transfer Development Opportunities" from proposed resorts in the Metolius Basin in Deschutes County.

Current law excludes Deschutes County from locations where the TDOs may be applied.

TDOs were established in 2009 when the legislature effectively disallowed the Camp Sherman-area development under a provision declaring the Metolius Basin an Area of Critical State Concern. The TDOs allow the developers to use their rights elsewhere under specific restrictions.

Rep. Huffman sponsored HB 3536 in the last regular legislative session to allow TDOs to be sited for development of the Cyrus properties at and around Aspen Lakes, but the bill failed to gain traction. The bill would have allowed up to 480 residential units; overnight lodging facilities such as cabins, condominiums and townhouses; recreation facilities; and a motorcoach resort facility with up to 100 spaces.

Proposed development at the site has stirred up considerable opposition from neighbors and others, which has coalesced in the formation of OLAWA.

The Cyrus family says there is substantial, albeit quiet, support for the family's plans, which they believe will be an important stimulus for the Sisters Country economy, not only from the development itself, but from increased tourism to the area. In the unsuccessful HB 3536, they imposed fees on building sites to go to the City of Sisters and Sisters School District as mitigation for any impact the development might have.

Matt Cyrus argues that the area will be developed one way or another, and that his family is proposing a much lower density of development than what would be allowed if it develops as a destination resort.