Joint hearing: County tentatively backs code changes to allow clinics, outpatient care in campus industrial district

Springfield City Council and the Lane County Board of Commissioners held a joint public hearing on code amendments (ordinance 2503) to modify the Springfield Development Code’s Campus Industrial District to allow medical clinics, outpatient care and physician offices while stopping short of hospital‑level uses.

Staff summarized the record, noting written support from PeaceHealth (Michael Reeder) that endorsed allowing clinics and similar outpatient services but explicitly did not support introducing hospitals, urgent care centers or birthing centers to the district. Staff explained the proposal sought a narrow set of additional uses in the Campus Industrial District rather than a wholesale rezoning to general commercial, which staff had discouraged because general commercial zoning could allow higher‑impact uses such as car lots, fast‑food restaurants or gas stations.

The applicant’s attorney, Andre Phelps, said the proposed amendments were intended to help the underutilized business park remain viable without forcing current tenants to leave. Staff and the applicant provided a transportation analysis indicating the change would not adversely affect nearby intersections, public transit, or the active bus rapid transit corridor; staff noted there is generally surplus parking in the area.

Staff emphasized the Campus Industrial District has a pre‑application (pre‑certification) process so individual uses will be reviewed before approval, providing an added layer of scrutiny and an avenue to address site‑specific issues. Speakers from the public raised concerns about crime and site security at vacant buildings and urged conditions that promote local hiring and coordination with law enforcement and social services.

After public testimony and questions, the Lane County Board of Commissioners moved to tentatively approve the third reading of ordinance 2503 (to return for deliberations and adoption on a scheduled date). Commissioner Pat Farr moved the motion; Commissioner Heather Buck seconded. The roll call recorded the motion as passed with four votes in favor and one commissioner excused. The board’s motion read in part: “move to approve the third reading and tentatively approve ordinance number 2503 as presented instead of fourth reading and deliberations for 06/24/2025.”

The Springfield City Council closed the public hearing and will return the ordinance for adoption at a later date (staff referenced bringing it back for city adoption in early to mid‑June). Staff said city planning director Amber Bell and senior planner Jared Bowder were available for questions but had no additional comments beyond the staff summary.

Key points from staff and testimony: - PeaceHealth provided written support for clinics and outpatient care uses but not full hospital services. - Staff discouraged a change to general commercial zoning because it would admit a wide range of higher‑impact uses. - The applicant (Hawes Financial Group) preferred an allowance for medical‑oriented uses that would not require eviction of existing nonmedical tenants. - A pre‑certification/site review process will vet future projects in the Campus Industrial District. - A transportation analysis presented for the applicant found no adverse traffic or transit impacts.

The hearing record will be updated with the most recent written testimony and staff responses; the two governing bodies will return the ordinance for final action according to their respective calendars.