LUBA Materials Volume 3 of 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

PN-~5 Sunday, September 22, 2013 to: Hearings Official from: Don Kahle re: Oakleigh Meadow Cohousing Governor Kitzhaber and others have famously remarked that there are only two things Oregonians will -not abide: density and sprawl. I've seen the OMC plan and I believe they have found the sweet spot between those two. Yes, there will be concerns about the number of units, although the number is fewer than what zoning would allow. What's remarkable about their plan is the amount of open space that is preserved. This is accomplished with several design innovations that rise from the mutual trust OMC's members have built between themselves. • Buildings can be clustered because residents aren't seeking as much distance as possible from their neighbors. • Units are smaller than they might otherwise be, because all residents will share some common facilities. • Open space is likewise to be shared, promoting neighborliness in the most natural way possible. I've gotten to know many of the OMC members and have watched them develop their processes to build that trust and open communication. I've known Will and Lynn Dixon for many years. I applaud the group's vision and determination. I believe once the project is a reality, there will be no detractors because there's nothing to detract. What they want to build sounds new until you think about it, and then you realize it's very; very old. It's a true neighborhood, where people will more naturally look out for one another and share what they have. When and how did it become difficult to knock on a neighbor's door to ask for a cup of sugar? These folks want to return to that lifestyle. Their willingness to risk may point a way forward for many of us that doesn't require too much density or any sprawl. Thank you for your consideration. Don Kahle, 40o E. 32nd Ave, Eugene, OR 97405 541-424-2424 page 1/1 1233