OSU-Cascades Westside campus backers release survey
A group called “Now For Bend” that supports OSU-Cascades’ disputed Westside location has issued a community survey that it says shows majority support, but opponents are taking issue with it.
“The conversation needs to be elevated to talking about the future of our community and not let a few detractors derail the possibilities for Central Oregon,” Amy Tykeson, former BendBroadband CEO and a Now For Bend co-coordinator, said Thursday.
When the group’s survey consultants asked 300 Bend adults if they favor or oppose OSU-Cascades’ planned Westside expansion, 59 percent were in favor, while 35 percent opposed.
But one Bend resident NewsChannel 21 spoke with who lives near the the location off Century Drive is strongly against the move.
“It is going to be a total disaster with the traffic, the parking–the noise,” Irene Gillette said.
Now For Bend also asked Bendites if they agreed or disagreed that Central Oregon needs more higher education options in the area. An overwhelming number of people agreed.
“Right now, we sit on that precipice deciding what kind of growth we’re going to have,” said Janie Teater, the other Now For Bend co-coordinator.
Gillette doesn’t want to hear about the survey numbers. She thinks the decision is being rushed because of money.
“Having a college on 10 acres, a four year college — it’s ridiculous,” Gillette said.
Gillette questioned where in Bend the people who responded to the survey live.
“They’re on the Eastside, the south side or the north side, and they’re not around where we live,” Gillette said. “What do they care?”
Now For Bend noted Central Oregon is the largest region in the state without a four-year university, which is why now is the time, and according to their study, they have the support of 84 percent of the community.
“Something is going to go in each one of these spaces, and most likely if it’s not the university, it will create more traffic and more issues with infrastructure problems,” Teater said.
A decision by the state Land Use Board of Appeals on opponents’ appeal of the city’s approval of the project is expected this month, but that’s not likely to end thd debate.
To learn more:
Now For Bend website: http://www.nowforbend.com/
Truth In Site Coalition website: http://www.truthinsite.com/
