TERREBONNE, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners have given the initial go ahead to change zoning in an area west of Terreboonne, to allow a new housing project to be built. The approximately 710 acres would change from Exclusive Farm Use to Rural Residential, if final approval is given. Commissioners Patti Adair and Tony Debone both voted in favor of the first reading, after county planners approved of the rezoning. 

Commissioner Phil Chang wasn’t convinced the land is unsuitable for farmers and ranchers, "Speculative rezones like this are driving up the price of land and again, making it more difficult for farmers and ranchers to do their agricultural business. So, I’m very concerned about this trend,” said Chang while casting the lone ‘No’ vote.

While Debone supports the rezoning, he acknowledged there are different views, “As I say, it’s awkward because it’s a hearings officer approval. The land use system in the state of Oregon has authorized this path with other previous approvals.”
The second reading for rezoning the area is scheduled for next month.