SCOTTbend Realty

Ah, you can always count on parking issues to stir local political emotions! While it might be exhausting, I'm glad we are having these conversations as opposed to simply accepting the status quo. There is no denying that parking takes up a lot of space and in many cases it may have a higher value to business owners and/or residents if utilized in some other form. Based on initial reviews of this program, this may be one of them!

I personally would happily walk a little further in exchange for more outdoor dining space downtown. How about you?

'Parklet' program that allows more outdoor dining in downtown Bend may be extended Being able to set up outdoor seating in parking spaces in downtown Bend began a positive ripple effect at Deschutes Brewery.

Slimey slug lovers nestled in a bark crease. A caped bachelor mushroom emerging supported by its mycorrhizal community. A multi-generational family of Redwoods standing tall. A couple of tourists camped out on a gravel bar.

A strong and resilient forest community provides diverse housing needs for its residents. In Bend, we aren't meeting the housing needs of our community largely because of exclusionary housing policies that make it difficult to build anything other than single family homes even though the market demands it. Ironically, this drives up single family homes prices due to a lack of suitable alternatives. The upcoming election presents an opportunity to break this cycle. I'm excited to support , ,
and because their thoughtful and inclusive housing and transportation policies will make Bend more livable, vibrant, and affordable for all residents.

Forest home photos from and my recent trip to the Redwoods in lieu of our original autumn wedding plans :)

Come check out my OPEN HOUSE! 3759 NE Purcell, I'll be here until 2pm!

Location location location is old adage in real estate yet we tend to focus on house stats when marketing above all else. This is partly because it is easier than conveying the difference a few blocks can make when it comes to our daily routine.

Come check out my open house in a school zone across the street from Pondarosa Elementary School and Pine Nursury Park w/ buffered bike lanes and cross walks out your front door! Pine nursery is one of Bends largest parks with pickleball, disc golf, tennis, playing fields, off-leash dog areas, fishing and playgrounds out your front door!

Oh and since you asked: 3bdr, 2.5 bath, 2520 sqft!

Did you know the City of Bend is working on code changes to allow for 'MICRO-UNIT' housing? If done right, this type of development has the potential to make Bend more affordable and equitable for individuals across the income spectrum, not to mention free-up traditional housing stock that is currently being occupied by shared rental residents who would prefer their own space. Often the best time to speak up is now, at the planning stage, before the proposed codes are before the city council.

Make your voice heard by emailing Bend Senior Planner Pauline Hardie: [email protected] and/or taking this survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/tbrGnkhzWM?fbclid=IwAR0GwBEyAd5OCn3b8-4FpLm6WU4p3mITLB1Kx00BZhVK5EjsHyOm7L75XcE

What do you think about this idea? I've included more details along with my thoughts on some key issues below!
Details:
There are codes being developed to support two types of smaller developments:

'micro units' - a unit located in a micro-unit development and typically consists of one room used for living
and sleeping purposes and includes permanent provisions for sanitation. A micro-unit does not include a
kitchen.

'Small dwelling units' - A dwelling unit limited in size with a maximum floor area of 800 square feet. (essentially legal tiny homes that can be on permanent foundations w/multiple per lot or on small lots.
There are some key issues being debated right now:

Geographic location - some neighborhood 'leaders' have suggested that we limit this development to certain areas of town. This would be a continuation of the discriminatory zoning laws that have already divided our cities by race and socioeconomic status. I commented that these units should be allowed anywhere to promote a diversity of housing stock throughout the city.

Parking - One of the primary drivers behind our high housing costs are parking requirements. The current plan is to still require .5-1 parking spaces per unit. In my comments, I suggested that secure, well lit bike/ebike parking with charging could be an alternative to meeting the automobile parking requirement. Others have suggested that the parking requirement should be nixed all together as most units will be built with parking anyway but depending on location parking may not be necessary for residents.

Kitchens in 'Micro Units' - Currently 'micro-units' would not be allowed to have appliances beyond a mini-fridge and that units would have a shared kitchen. In my comments I expressed that the city should not be in the business of mandating this, and that if a developer can make small kitchenettes pencil out in their costs they should be allowed to do so. Proper food preparation equipment also has profound implications for residents nutrition and health.
If you really want to geek out watch the latest planning commission meeting: https://bend.granicus.com/player/clip/573?view_id=11. Discussion of 'micro-units' starts at 11:40.

bend.granicus.com