Developers urge Junction City to address sewer capacity issues amid proposed moratorium
October 22, 2024 | Junction City, Lane County, Oregon
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Developers have invested millions into their projects, with some phases already graded and ready for construction. However, concerns about compliance with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations have led to a potential moratorium that could last four to five years. This situation has left developers like Dale and Serge Sertsup urging the city to seek emergency funding to address compliance issues quickly, emphasizing the financial losses the city could incur from lost system development charges (SDCs) and tax revenue.
Keenan Orton Bicalian, representing Westland Corporate Park, highlighted that the city has failed to rectify sewer capacity issues for over a decade, which has now placed the burden on developers. He argued that the proposed moratorium would not only stall their projects but could also expose the city to significant legal liabilities. Orton called for the city to either reject the moratorium or provide indefinite extensions for all approved development proposals affected by it.
The council acknowledged the complexity of the situation, recognizing the DEQ's authority and the city's long-standing compliance issues. As discussions continue, the council must balance the urgent need for development against regulatory compliance, with the future of Junction City's growth hanging in the balance. The next steps will be crucial in determining how the city navigates these challenges and supports its development community.
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