Bend urban renewal agency advances three housing projects, pauses broader housing applications

The Bend Urban Renewal Agency on June 18 advanced three site-specific housing proposals that together propose 413 new units across three projects, and directed staff to draft the documents needed for development assistance and the creation or amendment of tax increment financing (TIF) areas.

Urban renewal project manager Jonathan Taylor presented the three applications and staff recommendations, and reminded the agency that the projects draw on the city’s TIF policy for housing affordability. Taylor said staff recommended pausing acceptance of new applications for a site-specific housing policy while the agency completes a broader policy review this fall — but recommended TIF for employment projects remain available in existing districts.

Parkway Studios (17 NW Irving), a 24-unit studio project proposed by Parkway Studios of Redmond, received a motion to proceed and unanimous approval from the agency. Applicant Eric Kreipu told the agency the project relies on urban renewal assistance to be financeable, that he is using local contractors and local design teams, and that he plans to pursue energy-efficiency measures. The agency approved staff direction to draft a development agreement and provide development assistance for Parkway Studios.

The Jewel project (corner of NE Fourth and Olney) is a proposed 125-unit, studio/one‑bedroom building. Applicant representatives said the project would target middle-income households and would aim for at least 15% of contracts to local minority- and women‑owned businesses. Staff noted the application seeks a minor boundary amendment to include the site in the Core Area TIF plan; under Oregon law minor amendments that add less than 1% of the original plan area may be adopted by resolution. Because agency members asked for more certainty on unit mix and financing, the agency voted to direct staff to prepare a minor amendment but asked for a check‑in before the amendment is adopted — effectively advancing the site into the TIF amendment process but asking staff and the applicant to return with clearer commitments and updated timelines.

Project Emblem (Quaterra Multifamily Communities / Lennar) would create a new TIF area and construct 264 units on an…