Code Updates Continue
A joint work session is planned for the City of Florence Planning Commission and the Florence City Council on Monday. Work continues on the Residential Housing Code Update Project as the city and commission try to review and renew the city code to more modern acceptable practices. One of the hopes with the update is to provide for more growth in the city by easing some of the restrictions on residential housing. A move that will help developers and property owners, but could potentially allow for multi-unit dwellings next to single-family residences. City Manager, Erin Reynolds says it is a difficult process with a lot to consider.
“We are balancing a lot of competing needs and that is something that the planning commission and city council are working through.”
Reynolds says the forecast is for about a one percent growth over the next several years. Housing is already in short supply for workforce labor in Florence, but the city is beginning to see housing starts with new development on the horizon. The joint work session will be at 10:30 Monday morning at city hall.
Affordable Housing Project to Move Forward
The City Council will meet Monday evening. On the agenda is the possible agreement with Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services. It will be for the development of the property at 1424 Airport Road. The property is currently owned by the city and if approved would change hands and allow for a small housing development at the sight of the former senior center. The project will build 12 cottage style homes including a mix of 2-3 bedroom units. Units will be for sale to low to moderate income families with a proposed pricing of between 160 and 200 thousand dollars.
The City Council will also consider accepting a proposal from Civil West Engineering for engineering services for 9th street water and roadway improvements.
Douglas County Seeking Father/Daughter Whereabouts
The Douglas County Sheriff’s office is currently looking for a missing man and his 2 year old daughter. Sean Moss was last seen by a co-worker on Friday, August 9th. Family members were expecting them to be at the Douglas County Fair on Saturday, but they did not show. 2 year old Madison Moss was in the care of a foster family. Police are concerned about the welfare of both individuals. Sean Moss was driving a dark green Chevy Trailblazer with damage to the right front fender with an Oregon license plate 549-DBU. Moss is described as a white male, 5’9”, 160 pounds with a scar from neck to waste, full back tattoo and the name “Lilly” tattooed on his left arm. Madison is 3’0” – 25 pounds with hazel eyes and curly brown hair. Contact Douglas county sheriff’s with any information.
