(Photo rendering by OSU Cascades)
Now for Bend applauds OSU-Cascades’ announcement to break ground on the Westside Campus and build the long overdue four-year university in Central Oregon. Oregon State University will begin construction of its new OSU-Cascades campus as soon as required permits are issued by the city of Bend – a process that is expected to take place within the next two weeks.
“This is ultimately about educational opportunities for Central Oregon,” said Ed Ray, Oregon State University president. “Every year that we delay the campus, another group of young people leave Central Oregon to seek a four-year university degree, and many never return. The start of construction signals that the 30-year aspiration to bring a four-year university to Bend – the largest population area in Oregon without a university – is finally being realized.”
Oregon State University officials expect to have the required permits and to initiate construction activities, including excavation and tree removal during the week of June 29.
OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson said starting construction this summer makes it possible for the OSU-Cascades’ campus to open for classes in fall 2016. However, severe weather or other construction delays may result in an opening later in the academic year.
Initial campus development will include two buildings: a 43,650-square-foot academic building and a 113,000-square-foot residence hall and dining center complex, as well as campus streets, pathways and parking.
The new four-year university campus will serve up to 1,890 students. OSU-Cascades will enroll freshmen for the first time in fall 2015 and in the interim conduct classes for undergraduate students at Cascades Hall on the Central Oregon Community College campus and at OSU-Cascades Graduate & Research Center. A new shuttle will transport students between the two facilities.
Johnson said the decision to begin construction was made knowing that yet another appeal may be filed to challenge previous approvals for development of the 10.44-acre campus. Previously, the city of Bend planning staff, a Bend land use hearings officer, the Bend City Council and the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) have approved the site development plan for the campus.
“OSU carefully reviewed the June 8 decision by LUBA affirming OSU-Cascades’ site plan approval for a 10.44-acre campus in Bend,” Johnson said. “The LUBA decision fully and strongly affirmed the city of Bend’s approval of this site plan.”
Appellants have indicated that they intend to provide notice by a June 29 deadline of their intent to appeal the LUBA decision to the State Court of Appeals.
“Under local code and state law, development is allowed to continue while an appeal is pending.” Johnson said. “Initial construction work will include site preparation and will be completed within city of Bend and Oregon land use laws. All work will be conducted in accordance with city of Bend-issued building permits.”
Johnson said Oregon State has fully assessed an unlikely remand or reversal of LUBA’s decision by the Courts of Appeals.
“Oregon State is confident that significant construction progress can be made while a potential appeal is being considered and still allow the university to adjust to changes that could result from an unlikely remand or reversal by the Court of Appeals.”
Johnson said construction activity will follow dust and noise mitigation plans and processes, and will minimize construction equipment travel on community streets. These plans included input from many community members who participated in the Campus Expansion Advisory Committee Neighborhood Livability task force and were adopted by OSU-Cascades.
“During construction, OSU-Cascades will keep the public fully informed – and respond to questions regarding the campus’ construction progress – via the OSU-Cascades website, social media and other communication channels,” Johnson said.
Ray said Oregon State University and OSU-Cascades will continue working with Bend and Central Oregon residents, as well as with community, business and education leaders.
“We will continue to engage in collaborative planning and problem-solving by actively seeking public input,” Ray said. “Working together, we can tackle legitimate concerns about traffic and housing, while ensuring OSU-Cascades will bring the educational, economic and cultural benefits to Central Oregon that will add to the region’s quality of life.”
As OSU-Cascades moves forward, Now for Bend celebrates this important step for the entire region. Central Oregon is the largest region in the state and the second fastest growing area without access to a four-year university. Bend and Central Oregon have worked toward this opportunity for 30 years.
“With OSU-Cascades announcement to break ground today, we are on our way,” said Amy Tykeson, co-coordinator of Now for Bend, a coalition of 60 businesses and organizations supporting OSU-Cascades’ Westside campus. “I am thrilled that our community will have the four-year university campus that the majority of our residents want and deserve. It is time for the community to unify around this important milestone and get it done.”
The construction of the campus means education opportunity, economic stability and innovation and cultural enrichment. The regional economy will benefit from a smarter, stronger workforce and higher education infrastructure that helps recruit and retain industry.
A recent poll shows that 85 percent of residents in Bend agree the university is overdue. Further, 77 percent consider the programs offered by the university to be more important than the location, and 59 percent support the Westside location specifically. This support is virtually unchanged from a year ago.
Currently, legislators are deliberating on funding for two OSU-Cascades project priorities through the Regional Solutions Advisory Committee. Supporters can contact the Central Oregon delegation regarding HB 5030 and SB 5525, which will fund the Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs for start-ups and transit improvements for better access to jobs and education.
Go to NowforBend.com to join the more than 600 others who have already signed the petition requesting this support and to learn how you can help advance the completion of this powerful educational, economic and cultural benefit for all of Central Oregon.
For More Information Contact:
Janie Teater
Now for Bend Co-Coordinator
541-633-3896
teater@bendcable.com
Amy Tykeson
Now for Bend Co-Coordinator
503-819-3648
atykeson@tykesonassociates.com
