REDMOND, OR -- Deschutes County is considering a proposal to add 950 acres near the fairgrounds to Redmond's Urban Growth Boundary. Two hearings will be held Tuesday evening regarding the two parcels owned by the Department of State Lands, known as the South Redmond Tract.  

State Board Approves Redmond Land Deal (08/15/2018)

Associate County Planner Nicole Mardell says the first application is for a 789-acre parcel. "That portion of the property will be seeking a redesignation as a large lot industrial site," she tells KBND News, "to accommodate a regional large lot industrial program." The second parcel is 160 acres. "The remaining will be to allow for the expansion of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and for the relocation of the National Guard Armory." Mardell says, "The fairgrounds is looking to expand to include a multi-purpose event center to hold different events and concerts." It would allow for larger events than the current facility. She says building next door to the current fairgrounds will keep infrastructure costs down. "They also wanted to make sure that any impact from a use like the multi-purpose event center wasn't near housing or a residential area where it could be a disturbance."

The city of Redmond is working with the county, EDCO, and ODOT to rezone the two  parcels and determine their best uses. "They looked at the need for public facilities land, and could not find any within the current Urban Growth Boundary area," says Mardell, "So basically, they're looking for an amendment to Redmond's Urban Growth Boundary to allow these two specific uses." 

Tuesday's hearings begins t 6 p.m. at the County Services Building at 1330 NW Wall St. in Bend. The hearings officer will make a in the next three weeks.