This week, the Bend Chamber Board of Directors submitted a letter of support to the City of Bend regarding the expansion of OSU-Cascades into a 4-year university.
Here is a copy of the letter:
The Bend Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors is in full support of the expansion of OSU-Cascades to a 4-year university. The expansion will be transformational to Central Oregon on many levels and, perhaps, the single most important effort within our community to champion sustainable growth in business and economic development. In support of that effort, we have given a substantial financial donation as well as developed a successful member supported 50/50 Match Program.
Like any other developer/applicant, the Bend Chamber supports OSU-Cascades’ right to develop land that is properly zoned where the development meets city code. The Chamber believes the university has proven themselves a great partner and corporate citizen through an already proven track record and, thus, will uphold its due diligence while continuing to work with the community and the city on any challenges as they may arise. With regards to the 10.44 acre site application, this area was originally developed as part of the Century Center development with all the necessary infrastructure put in place at that time for development of all parcels within Century Center, including the 10.44 acres, i.e., traffic impacts were already considered and improvements were made when the overall development took place.
In conclusion, the Bend Chamber of Commerce is supportive of the process and right of the landowner, OSU-Cascades, to develop property within the set of current regulations. The expansion will significantly position Central Oregon for positive and sustainable future growth. The campus will impact short term growth in the way of jobs from construction, teachers and support staff, but more importantly, it will have long term implications in determining how we will develop a workforce for our future, not only for our own community, but to also contribute to our state’s prosperity.
Sincerely,
Tim Casey
President & CEO
