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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 16 19 23South County Plan 15 Minute Telephone Interview Results – April 2012 Page 1 Interview Participants Jayne Benner Terilynn Myersnewcomb Vic Russell Toby Wilson Paul Hatcher Gloria Fleming Marlene Friehauf Interview Responses 1. What is your connection to South Deschutes County (SDC)? Lives in SDC; has not been to a SDC planning meeting; Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Government Affairs Chair. Lives in La Pine; has been following the SDC planning process; works at Chamber of Commerce and Newberry Eagle. Third generation family; business owner. Lived in SDC since 1999; involved with the schools ( three kids), youth wrestling program, Rodeo committee, La Pine Community Action Team, and church. Owns 157 acres and water rights out of Paulina; aware of DEQ process. Purchased property in 1992, moved here in 2000; has been following the SDC planning process; involved with the Community Action Team; two years on the La Pine Planning Commission, including work on the La Pine Comprehensive Plan. Aware of SDC planning process; lives in Klamath County; owns properties in La Pine; Community Kitchen volunteer. 2. What do you like best about SDC? Rural, small town feel of La Pine. Open space; close to recreation; loves the seasons, lots of snow in the winter; loves the people. Small community; amenities (hunting, fishing, other outdoor activities); melting pot with people from all over. Rural aspects, separated from the city and the bureaucracy that comes with it; rural, traditional Central Oregon feel. Loves the weather, great for farming, not too much rain and lots of open space; chose the area over many others. Likes the open spaces, wildlife, forests; from Southern California, wanted rural, away from crowds. Generous, caring, giving people who step up as needed. South County Plan 15 Minute Telephone Interview Results – April 2012 Page 2 3. What would you like SDC to be like in 20 years? Economic growth - more jobs, but not huge manufacturing; nothing that will disrupt the rural feel; tourism is important. Not segregated from the other communities, but still a distinct identity; a whole county feel and pride; SDC offers outdoor recreation unique to the other communities; it doesn’t have a resort feel, but a family first and fun feel; protect the outdoors and small town feeling. Variety of sustainable businesses less affected by volatility; County proactive in ensuring zoning and height regulations are business friendly; uses for industrial lands (close to Bend, accessible from Hwy 97). Similar to what it was 20 years ago; public lands should stay open to the public; Forest Service should not be allowed to close access to public forests and lands; would like to see the County support open space and open forest access. State Rec road south to La Pine as developed property instead of wildlife corridor, the migration areas are not accurate anymore, because of the over pruning and wildfire protection the deer and elk have moved to more natural habitats which tend to be north of State Rec road, rarely do you see elk below State Rec road yet alone crossing the road, wildlife fencing doesn’t work; Wetlands designation needs to only be for natural wetlands not manmade wetlands, when certain farms and lands irrigate they create ‘wetlands’ but in reality it is because of the irrigation, not a natural process, wetland designations are negatively affecting other development as well. Rural character, green and forested. More jobs, something for the youth; more housing. 4. What is the top issue facing SDC that the plan should address? Can you suggest any solutions? Economic development, assisting with traffic on 97, access is important to bring jobs to the area, access is currently keeping businesses out, help move the transportation plan forward. Red lots - high water table lots should be traded for other lands to protect the investors who put money into SDC; setting up more parks and trails; more connections to SR and Bend through trails and outdoor connections; preserve the waterways. Nitrate issue, new systems are failing more than standard systems; zoning, when an opportunity arises the County needs a mindset of working to yes; protect private property rights, if red lots can’t be developed then they should be purchased. Jobs, letting jobs happen and keeping bureaucracy out; support large plants in the area, if large companies want to come to La Pine don’t let politics get in the way; keep opportunities open for development. See question 3 above regarding wildlife and wetlands; State required density of La Pine needs to be examined. South County Plan 15 Minute Telephone Interview Results – April 2012 Page 3 Older population needs to be protected, there needs to be a medical center or more access to medical care, accessibility for seniors is key with an aging population, local facilities are needed; Jobs should be looked at for the future, more industrial uses in the industrial park in La Pine, and better accessibility for industry. Another grocery store, both Rays and Shop Smart are owned by the same company, prices are too high. 5. Is there anything else you would like to tell us regarding the future of SDC? TRT (Transient Room Taxes) funds; COBA and others need to promote La Pine as a tourist destination separate from Sunriver; “We’re more outdoor oriented, more recreation oriented.” “Loves to float the Deschutes”; protect the rural feel. “Thank you for recognizing that we need our own part in the plan.” The community is becoming more vibrant and people are becoming more aware of what we have to offer and want to participate; talk to Ann Gowith, Frontier Days- Chamber Director- 536.9771. PRC/TDC program does not work, County staff need to understand the economics, title report to the New Neighborhood does not show a requirement that the land address groundwater. Don’t let government get in the way; people need to work together in the community to fix the problems; when the County tries to fix, they often over regulate; protect community; wants and likes the county to support grass roots movements and community efforts. People move here for the rural feel but still expect accessibility to services, there should be more emphasis on the rural way of life and knowledge that services aren’t as they are in a city, would like to see the County continue reaching out and educating people about rural lifestyles in South County. The area is not being marketed like Prineville, yet there are Rail lines, HWYs 97, 31, 58; it is a great spot with a big customer base; there are lakes, rivers, fishing, volcanos all close by; consider tax breaks.