By Aleah Abeyta, Springfield
Oregon and Springfield’s adoption of middle housing laws has cut the public out of the conversation about what gets built in our neighborhoods.
The City of Springfield asked for public comment, as required, on several occasions regarding the Game Farm Road railroad property development – annexation, subdivision, and more. Each time, neighbors turned out in large numbers. The issue was covered multiple times by local print and broadcast news organizations.
The concerns raised were clear and consistent: possible soil toxicity, traffic safety, emergency access, privacy, solar impacts, and setbacks. During the annexation, we were told the City Council’s hands were tied. If the property met the criteria, it would be annexed. We were directed to the subdivision process instead.
When that time came, neighbors pooled funds to hire an engineering and design firm to help organize and present our input. Sixty-five neighbors signed the letter, and others submitted individual comments.
Now, we’ve been told that subdivision review only examines lot layout and infrastructure – not building placement, setbacks, or privacy standards. Those come during permitting, which doesn’t include public input and is handled entirely within city departments.
Residents are effectively shut out. Perhaps we were all along, but in spite of our best efforts, couldn’t get useful input. Multi-story, high-cost housing is going up without a real opportunity for neighbors to weigh in, all due to the state and local middle housing laws.
Please start paying close attention to what the City Council and the state legislature are doing. These policies were put in place quietly, and we’re seeing the results firsthand. I think we all will appreciate having a voice in the future of our neighborhoods. Let’s get informed, get involved, and get engaged.
