Harrold Chosen To Lead Sheriff’s Department; City and State to Look at Speed Zones; Planning Commission Approves Resolutions

Harrold Chosen To Lead Sheriff’s Department

Lane County Chief Deputy Cliff Harrold has been chosen to take over the reins of the Lane County Sheriff’s department for the retiring Byron Trapp.  Harrold was Trapps choice to succeed him, but it was up to the Lane County Board of Commissioners to decide if it would be Harrold or retired La Palma California police chief Edward Ethell.  In the end it came down to corrections experience according to Commissioner Jay Bozevich.

“Some of the things that people might not realize is that 2/3 rds of our employees in the sheriff’s department are actually involved in the jail and corrections side of the Sheriff’s Department.

Harold has over 25 years experience with the lane county sheriff’s department and will take over for the final 18 months of the current term by outgoing sheriff Byron Trapp on Tuesday, April 16th.

City and State to Look at Speed Zones

The City of Florence and the Oregon Department of Transportation are looking at a portion of highway 101 and will be doing a speed investigation to determine if the appropriate speeds are posted.  ODOT was looking at the portion from Munsel lake road to Friendly acres where the speed transitions from 40 to 55.  ODOT has reported complaints about the excessive speed in an area that is mixed commercial and residential.  Mike Miller, head of Florence Public Works says they have asked ODOT to also look at the portion from 31st street up to the city limits near Heceta Beach Road.

“so we’re going to look at that whole corridor and see what changes have occurred since the last speed zone investigation was completed.”

Miller said the last investigation was either in the early 2000’s or late 90’s.  Miller says average speed plays a large roll in determining safe speeds, but ODOT also looks at other factors.

“They look at crash data, they look at the volume of traffic, the roadside culture.”

Roadside culture refers to particulars in that area in regards to cross traffic maneuvering, sidewalks, bicyclists, clear vision.  Miller says the investigation can take anywhere from 6-10 months or maybe even longer.

Planning Commission Approves Resolutions

The City of Florence Planning Commission approved all 5 resolutions regarding the planned Cannery Station project slated for the 17 acres across from Fred Meyer Store.  The Phase 1 final planned unit development, the assisted living facility, the two transitional cottages and the tentative subdivision.  This clears several of the hurdles in order to start construction.  The approvals are subject to a 12 day appeal window from the date the notice of decision is made.  The developers hope to have shovels in the ground by late July.  The project will take several years to complete and the plan is to first construct the assisted living facility and then branch out to the other projects which will include a large portion of green space according to the development plan.