News for those who live, work and play in North Santiam Canyon

County OKs new west side artery

The Marion County Board of Commissioners has passed an ordinance expanding Sublimity’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to allow for a new main road on the city’s west side.

During their March 1 meeting, commissioners ratified a September 2022 decision by the Sublimity City Council to expand the UGB by 7.2 acres to allow construction of a second north-south main road.

Board Chair Colm Willis said this was an overdue step toward realizing the city’s long-term development goals, and due to a “quirk” in state law was not finalized until now.

In 1998, the potential road was identified in the Sublimity Transportation System Plan as a means to increase safety and serviceability of the west side of town. Willis said this plan was approved without a corresponding extension of the city’s right of way. The UGB expansion will allow for this extension.

“This is super important to the city,” said Willis. “If this doesn’t happen, then they can’t develop the west side.”

Commissioner Kevin Cameron said the new road would be a win-win for the city and county. “By doing this we’re going to create potential tax revenue for the county.”

The city first approved UGB expansion Sept. 12, 2022, after public hearings held by the city council and planning commission. The proposed expansion would allow a new north-south road to be constructed parallel to South Center Street from NW Starr to just south of SW 9th.

A city ordinance approving expansion said a new road through the area would allow better utility access for existing and future buildings. It also said emergency services such as fire and EMS would have better access to the area.

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