DEVELOPER PLANS SUBDIVISON IN UNION

SUBDIVISION COULD HELP COURSE: Grants Pass developer Sean Ward, who seeks to improve 35 acres of land along Buffalo Peak Golf Course's west side, believes those who buy a home on a golf course are likely to have at least one person in the household who plays. He estimates his development could expand the golf course's player base by 50 people. (Observer file photo).

- Bill Rautenstrauch

- The Observer

Some growth for the City of Union and some help for Union County-owned Buffalo Peak Golf Course could be in the offing, as a Grants Pass developer sets out to improve 35 acres of land along the course's west side.

Sean Ward, a developer out of Grants Pass, is gearing up for the first phase of a proposed 45-lot subdivision there.

He said recently he thinks the subdivision will be a boon for the course, which struggles under the weight of a $2.1 million loan from the state of Oregon.

"I personally think a development can help expand the player base," said Ward. "People who buy a home on a golf course are likely to have at least one person in the household who plays. Fifty golfers can be a significant boost."

He also said he thinks the Union County economy will benefit almost immediately.

"The general contractor in turn does business with local people, and there's a huge economic multiplier," he said.

Ward said he expects work on curbs, gutters, sidewalks and utilities to be under way by this summer.

"We're ready to get going, and Realtors are telling us how good the market is," he said.

There is at least one planning obstacle to overcome, however. A small portion of the subdivision crosses into a commercial zone. Union planners are asking that Ward seek a zone change.

"There are a couple of things to be taken care of," said Union City Administrator Jeff Wise. "I don't mean that as a negative connotation. The city is interested in working with him."

Wise said it's too early to tell how much impact the new subdivision might have on the city. He acknowledged it would bring income in the form of system development charges and taxes.

But how much income remains to be seen.

He said the city council seems to have "mixed emotions" about the development.

"I think there's some excitement but I also think they're trying to be cautious about the potential," he said.

Union County, owner of the golf course, is a little more enthusiastic.

The land to be developed sits adjacent to 70 acres the county plans to sell to reduce its debt to the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.

County Commissioner Nellie Hibbert said she thinks the development will enhance the value of the county-owned land. She also said she believes Union will come off a winner in the long run.

"I would think businesses are jumping for joy," she said.

Phase One of the development takes in 21 lots. Phase Two, to begin at a later date, includes 24 more.

Ward said his company is looking at contracting bids for the first phase, though nothing has been firmed up.

"We haven't picked a general contractor yet. We'll be sitting down with some local contractors soon to talk about bids," he said.

Ward said he envisions homes going in that are 1,600-2,200 square feet in size, of good quality, but affordable.

"We don't want (the houses) to be shoeboxes. Union has lot of character and we want to build homes that have character. We're looking to create an affordable opportunity for people to live near the golf course," Ward said.

Ward said his client, from Medford, bought the 35 acres of property near the course last year.

He said prospective buyers are already showing interest in the development.

"We've not done a lot of advertising, but I've got three reservations already," he said.