Voters in Philomath approved the city's first annexation in three years, 435 to 294, giving the nod to the only measure on the Benton County ballot in Tuesday's special election.

Measure 02-69, the Annexation of Stratton Property, affects 27 acres west of Seventh and Applegate streets. It was proposed by the city of Philomath on behalf of a landowner.

Property owner Leon Stratton said last summer that he would like to build seven contiguous acres of commercial development and the rest as low-density residential housing on the property at the west end of the Philomath couplet.

City Manager Randy Kugler said last summer that Philomath city staffers recommended the annexation, and that the land is a logical place for the town to grow. The property has been within the urban growth boundary for 25 to 30 years.

Until Tuesday's approval by voters, Philomath hadn't seen any residential annexations passed in about three years.