The proposal would convert 22.31 acres from agricultural-industrial to residential use as neighbors raise concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety and nearby development.
Keizer City Council will consider a major residential development on Windsor Island Road tonight that could bring as many as 118 new housing lots to 22.31 acres currently designated for agricultural-industrial use.
The council will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at Keizer City Hall, 930 Chemawa Road NE. Written comments are due to the Keizer Planning Department by 4 p.m. today.
Pacific National Development Inc. is seeking a comprehensive plan amendment, zone change and subdivision approval for property at 5710 Windsor Island Road N. The land is part of a larger 36.72-acre property.
The proposal would change the developable portion from a Special Policy Area Limited Use designation to Low Density Residential and rezone it from Agricultural Industrial to Single-Family Residential with an odor and noise overlay.
A hearings officer has recommended that the City Council approve the application subject to numerous conditions.
City documents contain differing descriptions of the subdivision’s size. Keizer’s notice for tonight’s hearing describes a subdivision creating 110 residential lots. However, the hearings officer’s recommendation and the applicant’s presentation describe 118 residential lots — 110 for single-family housing and eight for attached residential development.
The hearings officer cited Keizer’s housing needs as part of the case for approval. The city’s housing needs analysis identified demand for 4,513 additional housing units to accommodate projected population growth, while the applicant estimated Keizer needs about 267 additional acres of residential land through 2033.
The proposal has also drawn concerns from nearby residents.
Testimony during a July 8 hearing raised questions about speeding and traffic safety along Windsor Island Road, including gaps in sidewalk connectivity. Residents also raised concerns about the height of future homes, separation between the development and existing neighborhoods and whether the project provides adequate street and pedestrian connections.
City engineering and public works officials acknowledged existing speed and safety concerns in the area. According to the hearings officer’s recommendation, officials are interested in seeking a speed-zone order from the Oregon Department of Transportation and could consider additional traffic-control measures if conditions warrant them.
Approval would also come with significant infrastructure requirements. The developer would be required to extend a 12-inch water main, construct street and sidewalk improvements along Windsor Island Road, provide internal utilities and establish adequate street lighting. No new homes could receive occupancy permits until required street lighting is installed and operating.
The project would also include pedestrian access toward nearby Keizer Elementary School.
Tonight’s council hearing represents the next major step in the land-use process. After closing the hearing, the council can approve, deny or modify the hearings officer’s recommendation and direct city staff to prepare an order for council adoption.
