Speed bumps nearby to remain

By Matt Neznanski

Gazette-Times reporter

Deliberations over the proposed 45-lot Brooklane Heights subdivision in southwest Corvallis will remain up in the air for two weeks.

In another decision affecting the neighborhood, the two southern-most speed bumps on Brooklane Drive will stay put.

In a public hearing Monday night, the Corvallis City Council was asked to keep the public record open for another seven days. By law, the council must grant the request, which gives people until 5 p.m. Aug. 27 to submit written testimony about the project.

"I'm a working man like you are, and I think people need more time," said Justin Soares, who requested the delay.

Steve Schaberg, who plans to develop the property, has a week beyond the extended public comment period to respond to testimony. Because his time technically expires on Labor Day, Schaberg has until 5 p.m. Sept. 4 to respond.

Earlier in the day, the council made permanent two speed bumps on Brooklane Drive. Ward 8 Councilor David Hamby was the sole member of the council who voted against the measure.

"I just don't like speed bumps, and I think we can think of better ways to solve the problem," Hamby said.

Speed bumps along Brooklane Drive became a contentious issue for neighbors who live along the road and those who use it to access Highway 20. Those who live along Brooklane said the bumps slowed traffic and made the road safer. Travelers argued they did damage to vehicles at any speed.

Ward 2 Councilor Patricia Daniels suggested that the city would be looking into its traffic calming program to see what alternatives to speed bumps might be used in the future, even though she said traffic data convinced her that the bumps were working.

"A lot of people don't like speed bumps," Daniels said. "I was not persuaded that people were having that hard of a time with them, though it probably depends on the vehicle."

During the Brooklane Heights development hearing, most who attended were in favor of the project, citing the long-term ties Schaberg and his development partner, Forest Evashevski, have to Corvallis and the neighborhood. Both men have lived next to the property for years.

Most opposition centered on the scope of grading proposed for the property. City code does not allow for excavation greater than 8 feet. Schaberg's plan allots cuts and fills up to 14 feet.

City staff has opposed the project based on a plan submitted to the city that uses 10-foot contour lines, making details unclear. Using that plan, city planning staff said they cannot be sure of Schaberg's numbers.

The original Brooklane Heights plan called for 42 lots on the 26-acre parcel. After adding 11 smaller lots to accommodate more affordable housing, the number rose to 45.

The same land has been previously approved for two subdivisions, one of 101 lots in 1980 and another for 69 lots in 1997. Neither of those developments was ever built.

Reporter Matt Neznanski can be reached by calling 758-9518 or by e-mail at matt.neznanski@lee.net.