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Frmr Mayor Has Idea For Bend Affordable Housing

BEND, OR -- A former Bend Mayor has an idea to bring more affordable housing to the area. Allan Bruckner wants the City Council to consider allowing a developer to put manufactured homes in Juniper Ridge, on the northeast side of town.

 

Bruckner tells KBND News the idea could spur growth in the industrial par near NE 18th and Cooley Road. "This really addresses two issues: One, is low-cost housing, which is the community's biggest need. And, the other is we have that expensive fiasco at Juniper Ridge and try to put some life in it. Maybe you put some other sort of development in with the low-cost housing. I don't know what that would be, but something to stir the pot and get something debated, anyway." Currently, the industrial park is home to Les Schwab's Oregon headquarters and Suterra, a chemical manufacturer. 

 

The city acquired the land now known as Juniper Ridge in 1990. "I was on the Council when the county gave us that land for a dollar," says Bruckner. "And, they've basically got this free land. So, if you have that, and you have manufactured homes - which are more cheaper than site-built homes in Bend - and you take the cost of the land out, I think you could impact a substantial number of affordable housing units." 

 

Bruckner says he sent his idea to Bend City Councilors and hopes it will be discussed in the future. 

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