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Board sets public hearing to consider withdrawing Findlay Bend road from county maintenance
Summary
Public works staff briefed the board on a proposal to reclassify Findlay Bend subdivision road as owner-maintained so the developer can install a gate; the board set a public hearing and instructed staff to publish the report.
Josephine County public works staff briefed the Board of Commissioners on a request to change the status of a road in the Findlay Bend subdivision from county-maintained to owner-maintained and set a public hearing to consider withdrawal from the county road inventory.
Public works explained the developer built the road, the county accepted it into maintenance years ago, and the developer now seeks to control access and place a gate because no lots have been sold and the developer controls the surrounding property. Public-safety agencies supplied input: planning advised no issues with the reclassification and the sheriff's office reported more than 80 calls for service in the area over roughly 18 months.
Why it matters: Reclassifying the road would make it owner-maintained but remain a public right of way; a permit would allow a gate while preserving county emergency access. Public works said a board order gives the director authority to authorize a gate over restricted residential roads, and staff proposed using a similar approach for this owner-maintained section.
Board action and next steps The board voted to set a date and publish notices for a public hearing to consider withdrawing the road from the county inventory. Commissioners approved the motion on a roll call recorded as Smith — yes; Barnett — yes; Black — yes (3–0). Staff said the public report must be available at least 10–20 days in advance (discussion in the meeting cited a 20-day notice) and that the applicant would pay for required improvements such as a turn-around in front of the gate. The county will retain emergency access (a county key or KnoxBox-type provision) and the permit would be revocable.
At the hearing, staff said, the owner will be invited to present testimony and the board will consider any objections before deciding whether to accept the report and finalize the road withdrawal.
