New Housing Parcels
A number of new building parcels are coming available soon in Florence. The Florence Planning Commission last month approved a project that will result in 25 additional single family dwellings. Myrtle Glenn at Oak and 37th Streets will consist of a total of seven buildings, each with either three or four attached homes. Construction will likely begin sometime this fall. Myrtle Glen is planned to be the first phase of a larger development that could “fill in” between 37th and 35 streets. Also coming up will be the formerly-approved 30-lot Pine Crossing subdivision north of Munsel Lake Road off of Highway 101. That had previously been approved by the Planning Commission, but a recent transfer of ownership signals that developers are ready to take the next step. Development plans are currently being reviewed by city staff.
Chip Seal Work
This Saturday the city of Florence will be working on a chip seal project that will extend to two more days next week, Wednesday the 26th and Thursday the 27th. the areas affected will be 8th street from Highway 101 through to Quince street and Greenwood Street between 9th Street and the terminus of Greenwood; Hemlock Street between 9th and 10th streets (this area will receive a double chip seal); Hemlock Street from 10th Street to Park Village Loop; Pine Street between 15th to 22nd streets; Rhododendron Drive between 35th and just north of Tournament Drive; and Spruce Street between Munsel Lake Road and the end of Spruce Street. The work is weather dependent.
Gas Prices
Gas Prices continue their upward trend. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says the cause is likely the rising cost of crude oil prices. She adds the situation could be worse, but there has been lower demand which is keeping prices somewhat in check. In contradiction to the rising cost, Oregon prices have actually gone down a cent and a half in the last week to $4.60 for a gallon of regular one of only 16 states to see a decrease. Here in Florence the average price is $4.46 a gallon. Over the past month crude oil has moved from the upper 60’ to mid 70’s with a high last week around $77.
Dollar General
Starbucks is not the only major chain to announce that they will be coming to Florence. A nationally known discount store headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee has submitted plans to the City of Florence to build next to Burger King on Highway 101. Discount retailer Dollar General has already constructed 77 stores in Oregon and has nearly 19 thousand stores in the U.S. and Mexico. Dollar General is currently in Reedsport, Yachats, Veneta and Waldport.