Sisters growth plans spark pushback

The City of Sisters is well into its state-mandated, process of periodically evaluating its Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to see if there will be enough land to meet population projections.

In Sisters currently, the UGB essentially corresponds to the city limits.

As Sisters' population steadily increases, with projections indicating that there will not be adequate housing inventory within the existing 1.88 square miles area, the City has invited its citizens to participate in the comprehensive study of if, when, how, and why the city may need to expand.

The City has produced extensive documents, slide show presentations and held public input sessions. This has served to catch the attention of citizens who are opposed to any increase in the UGB, and they are becoming more vocal (Click here to read Letters to the Editor.).

The Nugget has made contact with more than a dozen such opponents. When asked to define what no growth looks like, the answers are somewhat vague. They are more apt to describe a nostalgic longing for the city as they knew it when they first arrived. Robin Holm who moved to Cloverdale in 1978 remembers when horses were ridden to town.

She, like others, are concerned about the increase in traffic if there is not a moratorium on growth.

"Shut the darn door," she said. "Progress? Why? Just for the sake of it?"

She says that if it weren't for her age, she'd move to Joseph, or someplace like it, where growth she claims would be naturally limited by being the end point of a road.

She came from Alaska for "quaint and quiet" and wants it to remain that way. She "doesn't want Sisters to go the way of Bend."

Several, like Linda Wolff (Click here to read Letters to the Editor.), are not stating opposition per se but ask pointedly why the City doesn't talk about a no-growth option.

With few exceptions, those we interviewed believe this is driven by - as they say - "greedy developers." Also, without exception, those speaking out self-identify as "old," living in Sisters Country at least 20 years, but not residing within the city limits. Many of the group came to escape urban sprawl. They worry that urbanites moving to Sisters are changing the town's character.

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Craig Eisenbeis owns property that one of the possible areas of annexation runs directly through his land.

"My principal observation is that this is not a legitimate attempt at 'urban growth,' because the area proposed is already fully developed and divided, and there is no possibility whatsoever of any 'expansion' in this area. It seems most likely to be a heavy-handed land grab at a larger tax base," he wrote in an email to The Nugget.

Eisenbeis, like many other area residents, has had lengthy exchanges with city planners who are spending an increasing amount of time explaining the requirements for UGB planning.

By self-admission, some readers tell us that despite their best effort they do not fully comprehend the ramifications. They do not want to appear as "knee jerk reactionaries," but for the most part are concerned about growth.

The Nugget took Susan DeFazio's question as to "why can't the city just lawyer up and fight" to City Manager Jordan Wheeler and Community Development Director, Scott Woodford (see DeFazio letter, December 25.). They jointly responded: "We don't know of any other town or city in Oregon that has been successful in challenging state law to stop growth and suspect it would be an uphill battle, especially given the acute affordability housing challenges Sisters and the State currently face and the heightened focus from the State to increase housing supply to address housing affordability."

Scot Davidson left the Planning Commission on which he served in protest to the approval of Sunset Meadows subdivision. He speaks at length and with passion - a trait among all with whom we spoke.

"I have some up-close experience on how this assumption appears as a foregone conclusion, that expansion is the only answer," he said. "While I understand that state law mandates us to plan for growth and that additional housing is essential, I don't believe that suburban sprawl is the best or only answer for Sisters.

"The city has diligently followed the prescribed process and reviewed opportunities for land use efficiency. By my observation, this is a process of going through the motions with the understanding that we will eventually land here. I saw little effort to push back on the state requirements or to explore more innovative ways to foster growth while enhancing the quality of life for current residents."

Citizens have until Friday to participate in the Sisters UGB Expansion Online Open House found at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8118554/Sisters-UGB-Open-House. Or visit https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/community-development/page/urban-growth-boundary-amendment-faqs for frequently asked questions and updates.