On October 21st, 2021 a Zoom meeting was hosted by the architect and his client (GP Energy) to discuss their proposed project and design prior to submitting it to the City of Bend, for a commercial development on the small plot of land at the SW corner of Brosterhous and Murphy. There were about 40 guests in attendance. Here is a link to the recording of the meeting if you wish to review it:
Password: juF3r5=3
They gave a slide presentation of the proposed design which consisted of a gas station and convenience store (Phase 1), a brew pub (Phase 1A), a food truck lot (Phase 2), four “work/resident” buildings (business on bottom, residence on top), and two drive-thru fast food restaurants (Phase 3). As this is all preliminary and they were just following the city’s guidelines for open discussion prior to submission, there were no concrete plans or dates.
There was immediate opposition from all who spoke or provided written comment against a gas station. Concerns were traffic congestion, noise, odor, light pollution and nuisance, proximity to Jewell school and residential housing. The client is an oil company and chose this spot because their market research indicated it would be a good one, and it is the only plot in the area zoned CC (Convenience Commercial).
Placing a gas station on this particular plot would require a Conditional Use Permit as per Bend Code 4.4., which has approval criteria the developer must meet, including:
- The site size, dimensions, location, topography and access are adequate for the needs of the proposed use, considering the building mass, parking, traffic, noise, vibration, exhaust/emissions, light, glare, erosion, odor, dust, visibility, safety, and aesthetic considerations;
Another meeting is planned for the Southeast Bend Neighborhood Association on Tuesday October 26th. Here is the Zoom link for that meeting. Please attend and spread the word with your neighbors and other SE Bend residents.
We will continue to provide updates and ways you can provide public comment.
