Bend Central District could add 900 housing units

A new study done by GBD Architects shows potential for close to 1,000 new housing units with “conservative” redevelopment in the Bend Central District east of downtown, supporters of the proposal said Wednesday .

“As the city faces a serious housing crisis, these new estimates show how catalyzing redevelopment in the BCD could add housing options for residents,” the initiative’s supporters said in a news release.

The study is part of a new report released by the BCD Initiative, titled “Bend Central District: Summary of Revitalization Potential.” In the report, GBD Architects projected how many housing units could be developed with conservative, moderate or aggressive redevelopment in the Bend Central District.

In a conservative model, they said, 14 percent of the 206-acre district could be redeveloped for an estimated 912 new housing units, with retail space below. With moderate and aggressive redevelopment, even more housing units could be added.

These numbers far exceed the previous estimate of 247 units, which was the number relied upon during the Urban Growth Boundary planning process. With few current residents, the district is a key area to focus some of Bend’s rapid growth and help alleviate housing shortages, the organization said.

“This new type of development for Bend would add housing options for people who want to live close to downtown and neighborhood amenities like grocery stores, parks, and transit,” the news release said. “By making the area more residentially compatible, the city can spur housing development while also improving safety and access for current eastside residents.

The BCD Initiative is building momentum and support for the Bend Central District’s transformation into a healthy, vibrant, and resilient mixed-use neighborhood with safe connections between east and west Bend. As part of this initiative, thirty groups including local businesses, neighborhoods, nonprofits, volunteer technical experts, landowners, and developers wrote a letter to Bend City Councilors recommending the creation of an urban renewal area in the BCD + KorPine to achieve the community vision.

The recent report contains information to support their recommendation. Other key findings from the report include:

· Project efficiency recommendations that could save the City of Bend $3 million from current CIP schedule

· 86% of people who frequent the BCD desire increased connectivity for safety and a greater sense of community

· Urban renewal projects could improve the lives of existing residents without raising taxes

· The City of Bend can direct a portion of the millions of dollars that would be collected through Tax Increment Financing toward affordable housing.

· Local developers have done pro forma for 3 potential vertical mixed-use housing/office buildings in the Bend Central District.

The report was released as the Bend City Council was being asked to provide direction on UGB Implementation, including which areas inside the city to prioritize, at their Wednesday night meeting.

For more information, visit www.bcdinitiative.org. Email contact@bcdinitiative.org for a copy of the report.