NOEL NASH/CHRONICLE PHOTO
A vacant lot next to the building at the corner Highway 99 and F St. could be developed into 12 commercial businesses.
CRESWELL – Local developer and landowner James Brick is seeking approval from the City Planning Commission to develop land next to a buidling he already owns along Highway 99.
The City has scheduled a public hearing on April 22 to hear the request to extend utilities from the adjoining property to what would be new buildings.
“It’s major,” City Manager Maddie Phillips said regarding the potential development. “And the developer/owner wants to build shops that can be rented out to different businesses, commercial industrial-type shops.”
Brick, a longtime Creswell resident, could not be reached for this story.
The vacant lot had been on and off the market for years, but Brick has specific plans now, with as many as 12 different shops being considered as part of the development.
Phillips said the extension of utilities to the vacant lot was an important hurdle to clear. She said the City worked with Brick to finda solution.
“Typically, you’d have to extend the water and sewer main line down Highway 99, which is both expensive and challenging procedurally,” Phillips said. Brick asked the City if there were alternatives.
Phillips said the City was available to brainstorm around solutions. “This is problem-solving, thinking through ideas, and considering the outcome, then working from there,” she said.
Phillips noted the utilities solution was unique. “You can only do that if you have a common ownership,” she said.
