To Be, Or Not To Be (More Affordable Housing in Ashland Oregon)…That Is The Question!

The City of Ashland and Developer Doug Irvine have been in discussions over the possible trade of land. Doug Irvine is interested in acquiring a 2 acre parcel of land within Westwood Park plus three residential lots on Strawberry Lane, for which he will in return trade 10 acres of land he owns on Clay Street.

The City of Ashland has been great proponents of affordable housing for its residents, and they are looking to build 60 homes on 5 acres if this parcel of land on Clay Street with soccer fields on the other 5 acres. Doug Irvine is looking to build 4 luxury homes on the 2 acre Westwood Park parcel.

A new group, Friends of Westwood Park, has formed in order to oppose this impending transaction. Their 60 members, which include prominent environmentalists as well as a former Mayor of Ashland, plan to attend the Parks and Recreation Commission and Housing Commission hearings to put forward their position against this proposed land swap.

If this project does indeed develop, it will be time for Ashland to consider participating in the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program to further assist homeowners. Stay tuned to see if Ashland, Oregon will have 60 more much needed affordable homes on the agenda!

See you out there!