Southern Oregon University’s project proposal to create a senior adult living community on its Ashland campus is on hold after Medford-based Pacific Retirement Services, which owns the Rogue Valley Manor, has withdrawn its application to take part in the project.
As home prices in Ashland outpace local incomes, a panel of housing developers, economists and public officials will gather Sunday, Jan. 25, to discuss the city’s shortage of attainable housing and explore options for moving projects forward.
Ashland will open two severe weather shelters from Thursday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 18, as cold temperatures are forecast. The facilities are located at 2200 and 2350 Ashland St., and open daily at 5 p.m.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is shelving a major overhaul to a key federal homeless services program after a federal court blocked the changes, telling providers in Oregon and other states that it will reinstate previous grant applications submitted under Biden administration rules.
Last week’s meeting of the Ashland’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) produced little good news for a four-lot subdivision proposed at 431 North Main St. in the city’s historic Skidmore Academy District. Committee members’ comments on Jan. 7 proved so stridently negative as to likely kill chances for project approval at Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting.
Carrie Dahle: More ADUs could gently expand our housing options while staying aligned with the look and feel of our existing neighborhoods. A homeowner on a fixed income might finally be able to stay because rental income helps keep them afloat.
Recent federal policy changes have weakened fair housing protections nationwide that disproportionately impact minorities, immigrants and rural residents, according to advocates. Oregon has moved to add protections.
More than 60 people turned out for a look at the proposed Ashland Mill mega-project during an open house Wednesday night at the Historic Ashland Armory. Planned on the former Croman Mill site on 60-plus acres of the city’s southeast side, what’s now known as the Ashland Mill project represents the largest development proposal in the city’s history, with more than 550 housing units and 200,000 square feet of retail and commercial spaces, as well as pathways, small parks and open spaces.
A proposal to create four residential lots on Scenic Drive above Lithia Park won approval from the Ashland Planning Commission this week, despite challenges posed by steep slopes and protected trees. But plans for two new commercial buildings on Ashland Street hit an unexpected delay after the city discovered that required notice of tree removals had been omitted, forcing a continuation of the hearing until January.
Ashland resident and Almeda Fire survivor Vanessa Houk was awarded $25,000 on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from The Courage Project for her support to the community, particularly individuals facing homelessness and hunger.
Asante stymied unionizing campaigns by both physicians and nurses at Asante Ashland Community Hospital in 2025, according to a hospital employee. Asante announced Dec. 3 the Ashland hospital would close its birth center and other inpatient services in the spring.
The Ashland Tudor Guild will present “Fabric of the Festival: A Shakespearean Costume Fashion Show” Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Bellview Grange. Proceeds will benefit the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The event will feature costumes from OSF productions, live narration, and a VIP wine reception before the show.
Review: “Spotlight on Aretha” is two hours of raw funk, great singing, down and dirty R&B, jazz and genuine soul. The singers seamlessly appear to magically blend with the band and the whole thing is just an amazing retrospective that moves, grooves and takes you to places you may not have been in a long time.
The Ashland Family YMCA pool opened Tuesday, Jan. 20, after being closed since mid-November for repairs.
A divided Ashland City Council approved a new rail crossing on North Mountain Avenue Tuesday after Mayor Tonya Graham cast the deciding vote. Proponents contend the upgrade is necessary before a large repaving project, while opponents are cautious, citing uncertainty about the freight rail line’s future and potential impacts from a proposed civic center nearby.
Denise Krause, a retired health executive and Rogue Valley Transportation District board member, officially announced Tuesday, Jan. 20, that she is running for the Oregon State Senate seat currently held by Democrat Jeff Golden.
(It’s free)
