The Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission last week approved the City of Bend's proposal to construct affordable housing outside of the traditional Urban Growth Boundary. The site is approximately 35 acres between U.S. Highway 20 and Bear Creek Road, adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Bend City limits.
Under House Bill 4079 a pilot project allows the City to use a non-traditional area of expansion to address the lack of affordable housing in our community.
The City of Bend successfully demonstrated it has policies to promote the construction of affordable housing. It won approval of the State Land and Conservation Commission to expand outside the traditional city limits.
The pilot project off Highway 20, will include town homes and apartments and a small commercial space. It will also feature a 6-acre park with walking trails and a pond. There is to be space for a community garden, a playground and community building.
The plan calls for 394 housing units including waterfront town homes at market rate and other units at what is considered affordable rates. Persons earning 60 percent or less of the area median income, which is approximately $38,000 for a family of four will qualify for the less costly rates.
Initially the City must annex the site before development can begin. The target date for completion is 2025.