Grants Pass City Council approves annexation for 2.5 acres on Lincoln Road

In the heart of Grants Pass, city council members gathered on May 7, 2025, to deliberate on significant developments that could reshape the community's landscape. The evening began with a public hearing focused on the annexation of a 2.5-acre parcel located at 535 Lincoln Road, a move that could pave the way for new residential opportunities in the area.

Bradley Clark from the community development department presented the proposal, highlighting that the property, currently undeveloped and adjacent to existing urban infrastructure, is poised for a middle housing project. If approved, the developer plans to create five new lots, each accommodating four residential units, totaling 20 new homes. The council was informed that the necessary utilities, including water and sewer, are readily available, making the site suitable for development.

As the public comment period opened, the council heard no opposition to the annexation, leading to a swift motion for approval. The council unanimously passed the ordinance for the first and second readings, marking a significant step toward integrating the property into the city limits.

Following the annexation discussion, the council shifted its focus to a broader topic: an amendment to the urban growth boundary (UGB) and comprehensive plan map. Mark Trinidad, the planning manager, introduced a land exchange study aimed at optimizing land use within the urban reserve. This initiative, stemming from the council's housing production strategies adopted in early 2023, seeks to enhance development feasibility by adjusting the UGB to include more accessible land while removing areas that pose challenges for development.

Consultant Matt Hastie elaborated on the study's findings, emphasizing that the proposed changes are not an expansion of the UGB but rather a strategic exchange of land. The council is considering adding approximately 41.5 acres to the UGB, which could yield around 152 new housing units, while simultaneously removing less viable land.

The council's discussions reflected a commitment to addressing housing needs in Grants Pass, with unanimous support from both the council and the planning commission for the proposed amendments. The next steps involve presenting the findings to the Josephine County Board of Commissioners, with a hearing scheduled for May 19.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the decisions made during this session could significantly impact the future of housing and development in Grants Pass, illustrating the council's proactive approach to urban planning and community growth.