| Synopsis: |
The Oregon Military Department requested a Conditional Use
Permit to use the Ashland National Guard Armory for a variety of temporary
events, both public and private. Such public events could include blood drives,
public school events, and holiday food distribution. Private events could
include weddings, birthday parties and anniversary parties. Private commercial
events could include trade shows, concerts, farmers markets and holiday bazaars.
The Conditional Use Permit is required for temporary uses of a commercial
nature not normally associated with the public purpose of the armory.
The request was administratively approved by the staff in August, 2003. A
hearing was requested by several property owners in the surrounding area.
On September 9, 2003, a public hearing was held in front of the Planning
Commission, at which time testimony was accepted.
After listening to neighborhood concerns, and testimony from the applicant,
the Planning Commission approved the request, with conditions which state:
"Conditional Uses shall be limited to 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through
Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday."
"No more than 12 conditional use activities occur past 7:00 p.m. during a
given month."
A timely appeal was filed by the Oregon Military Department on October 28,
2003, stating, among other points, that the "time and number of uses unfairly
restricts the Oregon Military Department's ability to earn critical revenue.
The Planning Commission's decision further restricts types of uses that would
have minimal or no direct impact on the local neighborhood." |
