Planning commission members clear way for business growth 
by Brian Wilson
The Star News
October 8, 2009 —  A pair of votes by the Medford planning commission will bring changes to properties on a section of Hwy 64 in the city.
Commission members Monday night approved rezoning a parcel at 537 West Broadway Ave. (Hwy 64) from residential use to commercial so that Hope Hospice can use the property for parking lot space and possible future expansion from their adjoining lot.
Last winter, Hope Hospice acquired the adjoining parcel with an existing building and the city changed the zoning from multi-family residential to commercial to house the agency’s office. The agency recently acquired the vacant lot adjoining their building which is also currently zoned for multi-family residential use, said city planner Bob Christensen.
Christensen noted that because a existing single-family residential property borders the lot, Hope Hospice will need to comply with zoning rules requiring additional setbacks above what is normally required in commercial districts.
With the planning commission’s go-ahead, the rezoning request next goes to the city council for final approval. At a public hearing prior to the planning commission vote, there was no objection raised to the plan.
In another action, commission members cleared the way for Kris Karaba to build a new approximately 1,200 square foot office building at 511 West Broadway with approval of a site plan. The building will house Karaba’s Edward Jones Financial Investment office. The parcel in question is located on the north side of Hwy 64 to the west of Thomas Floral and Gifts.
According to Karaba, the final purchase of the parcel is awaiting approval by Edward Jones corporate office. Karaba will own the building and lease it to Edward Jones and she hopes to start construction on the building yet this fall.
According to Christensen, city codes require a site plan approval for commercial buildings showing setbacks, driveways, and parking spaces. While five parking stalls would be required under city rules, the plan calls for a seven-stall lot including one meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Christensen noted that before he issues a building permit, Karaba will need to submit a landscaping plan for the site.
Commission members moved from Hwy 64 to Allman Street in the eastern edge of the city with a vote to recommend final approval of a subdivision plat for the Rogers Addition to the city. The Medford Area Development Foundation had purchased the lot last year to secure a road access from Allman Street to access the Wal-Mart shopping center. According to Sue Emmerich of the MADF they are requesting the road to be call “Foundation Way.”
It will be up to the city council to name the road. The plat includes the future planned road and 10 lots, with the lots on the west side measuring between .32 and .84 acres while the 3.91 acre parcel is left undivided on the east side of the proposed road.
The approval from the planning commission clears the way for final action by the full city council later this month.

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