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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (March 18, 2022)
EIZER times $1.00/ ISSUE Vol. 43 • No. 22 MARCH 18, 2022 Council asks for community input on zoning changes BY CHARLES GLENN Of the Keizertimes Keizer’s long-range planning task force met March 14 to discuss wish-list items, spending priorities, and updates to ongo- ing city projects, including some debate over the Oregon Legislature recently pass- ing House Bill 2001, which allows property owners to build duplex-style homes in all Oregon cities with 10,000 people or more. The statute stipulates duplexes must be allowed “on each lot of parcel zoned for residential use that allows for the develop- ment of detached single family dwelling.” Put simply, Oregon cities of 10,000 or more can no longer prevent property own- ers and developers from building duplexes if the property is zoned for residential use. Under the same statute, triplexes, quadplexes, townhouses and cottage clus- ter housing must be allowed in cities with a population of 25,000 or more in areas currently zoned for single-family housing. How this will impact Keizer is still being sorted out. A property on Sunset Ave. North is already being developed to include at least three connected homes, but according to Public Works Superintendent Bill Lawyer, there is not yet any HB2001-related construction happening yet. “We’re holding a public hearing on this issue before next month’s planning commission meeting on April 13,” said Shane Witham at Keizer Public Works. “This law is one of those things that we’re kind of being compelled to do by statute - it’s not by choice – but we always want input from the community and we’d love to hear from you.” Keizer residents interested in having some input on these decisions can attend the planning commission meeting at 6 pm on April 13 at Keizer City Hall. Other issues discussed at last week’s meeting included budget items identified as priority including radios for the police cadets, a code enforcement truck, hardware and software for modernizing cybersecu- rity and protecting infrastructure, a security fence for the city hall parking lot, codification of city ordinances in English and Spanish, and the installation of the Meadows water pump station. Improvements to the city’s storm- water drainage and water systems were also discussed, including a $9 million capital improvement plan to meet the city’s demands over the next 20 years. Last year, the council met at the request of Marion County to discuss an American Rescue Plan (ARPA) grant that would fund the construction of two all-weather turf/soc- cer football fields at Keizer Rapids Park. The county offered to match funds for the proj- ect, and the city has until March 31 to inform the county if they plan to move forward. Keizer residents may soon see more multifamily housing construction projects like this one on on Sunset Ave. North. City officials say this project was already planned and is not part of the HB 2001 zoning changes. Photo by CHARLES GLENN of Keizertimes Oregon Symphony celebrating 125 years NEWSTAND PRICE: $1.00/ ISSUE BY CHARLES GLENN Of the Keizertimes The Oregon Symphony previewed their upcoming concert plans at the Roth’s event center in Salem on March 13. The theme for next month will be “Austrian music through the ages,” featuring Haydn’s “Surprise” symphony, selections from Johann Strauss II, and more. David Danzmayr took over as music director for the Oregon Symphony in February of last year. The prize-winning conductor has appeared with orchestras SUBSCRIBER ADDRESS : See SYMPHONY, page A2 Feel -Good STORY Saluting the people that make us proud of our community presented by Submitted Photo ONLINE SHOPPING 3555 River Rd N, Keizer (503) 463- 4853 skylineforddirect.com New or Pre-Owned https://www.skylineforddirect.com/
