Appeals Filed To Stop Metolius Basin Development

BUSINESS 

By April Baer

Portland, OR  March 25, 2008 9:37 a.m.

Yesterday attorneys representing conservation groups  filed appeals, trying to stop one of two major resort developments planned for the Metolius River basin.

The Metolius Basin  is prized for scenery--it's also remained one of the less developed areas of Central Oregon to date.  Paul Dewey is litigation director for Central Oregon Land Watch.

Dewey: "Jefferson County approved early in 2007 extensive new development uses in the county, including destination resorts, non-farm dwellings, forest dwellings, throughout the county, but with particular emphasis to the area around the Metoilus Basin." 

One of these developments is being shepherded by the wealthy Colson family.  The other is the brainchild of three self-styled "green developers", called the Metolian.

Land Watch believes these two projects would bring too much pollution and congestion to a pristine area.  Paul Dewey says his group is trying to convince local leaders not to let the Metolian go forward. But he notes cases of this kind are fought on multiple fronts.

Dewey: "Under current land use law, it's really up to the counties to decide where developments can occur, and LUBA & the courts will reeview those decisions to make sure they follow the proper procedures. The problem is that there is a huge gap in Oregon land use law that allows counties to allow developments where most people wouldn't think they should be allowed."  

Jim Kean is one of trio of developers working on the Metolian. He says he and his partners  aren't bothered by the fact that the conservationists filed appeals.

Kean: "I actually think that they're typical for any resort, and actually these are very complex communities that we're talking about being designed, and the state sets a really high bar for what you can do, and what they even allow to get through the pipeline. Hundreds of potential properties are out there that never see the light of day. So actually I'm pleased with the progress we've had, and I think that having public comment or review of these is appropriate and required."   

Kean says the Metolian was designed specifically as a new kind of low-impact resort community. It'll be comprised of over three hundred housing units.... some lodge style, some cabins or campgrounds.

Its target consumer might be more  interested in low-impact activities, like hiking or snowshoing. Unlike many other Central Oregon resorts, it will NOT feature a golf course.

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