Deschutes County commissioners, Redmond councilors discuss 1,200-acre Eastside expansion, other issues

(Update: Adding quotes from Redmond City Councilor Cat Zwicker, Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Redmond city leaders and Deschutes County commissioners met Tuesday to discuss a proposal for a 1,200-acre development on the city's east side. The project includes plans for 8,400 dwelling units, schools and parks.

The master plan covers land located north of the Redmond Airport and the Core three building. In addition to housing, the proposal features mixed-use areas for restaurants and shopping along with green space. The project is designed to manage the population growth the city has seen over the last several years.

The proposal received mixed reviews from local officials during the joint meeting. Redmond City Councilor Cat Zwicker advocated for the plan as a way to prepare for the future of the region.

"Future planning is always in the best interest of the city. I think Redmond is working toward smart growth and the mayor has an a really good idea where that growth should be," Zwicker said.

Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang expressed concerns regarding the scope of the project. He questioned the timeline and the availability of funding for the undertaking.

"My hesitancy is, we have finite a focus and resources dollars. I just want to know whether this is time sensitive or this is long fuze," Chang said.

Moving forward with the development is considered the first step in a lengthy process. To build on the 1,200 acres, the city must expand its Urban Growth Boundary. This expansion would require official support from state leaders in Salem.

Beyond the new development, officials also reviewed the progress of the Redmond Airport expansion. Zachary Bass, the Redmond Airport director, informed the board that the project is currently six months into its timeline. Bass reported that the expansion is on schedule, on target and on budget. He also noted that nearly 1.3 million people have traveled through the airport.

The city and county will need to coordinate with state officials in Salem to address the Urban Growth Boundary expansion before the project can move forward.

You can find the full agenda packet and presentations here.