Affordable housing in Sisters? The City Council meets to discuss housing projects
Spencer Sacks
(UPDATE: Adding video and quotes from Council President Sarah Mcdougall, Council Member Gary Ross, and a Sisters Resident.)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sisters City Council met on Wednesday evening to discuss new affordable housing projects coming to Sisters.
Over the last several months, the City of Sisters had conversations about two different areas being added to the City east of City Hall.
They would be developed with housing for teachers and low income individuals.
During the public comments section of the meeting, residents and advocates shared their opinions.
A Sisters resident said during the meeting, “You know, you got to build this. just be very careful. make the right decision for the community. because McKenzie Meadow, we want to do something about it. we want to give back.”
These comments created a baseline for the city council.
Councilors spoke at length about their feelings and what they think is best.
Two competing visions were voiced between the councilors with some saying they should move ahead with the A.A site east of Sisters
Others thinking the nearby McKenzie Meadows Village site just north of Sisters High School should be included in the plans.
Council President Sarah Mcdougall said during the meeting, “I realize that some of the conversations difficult and perhaps confusing.”
Fellow Council Member Gary Ross said, “unfortunately, I believe we are at risk of losing our viability”
The council did vote at the end of the meeting voting 3-2 in favor of moving ahead
This is only the voting step. In the coming months we could see shovels in the ground.