Resident says new alley‑paving rule blocks small infill housing; staff to return in November

Erin Mahaney, a Medford resident who purchased a small lot on the East Side, told the Coos Bay City Council that a recent reversal of resolution 20‑21 changed building requirements and now requires paving the alley from B Street to the next paved surface to build. That requirement, she said, makes constructing an 800‑square‑foot home on her oddly configured lot financially impossible and leaves the parcel difficult to sell.

"It's crushing," Mahaney said, describing how the new alley‑paving requirement has undercut years of planning and bids she obtained when staff had earlier told her the lot was buildable. She asked the council to consider mitigation for small property owners facing the change.

Council President De Novo and planning staff confirmed public comment will prompt further staff work. Nicole, a planning staff member, told the council the issue will return for additional discussion at the November work session (the fourth Tuesday of the month) so staff can present recommendations addressing these one‑off challenges.

The exchange did not produce a council decision; staff committed only to return with more detailed options. The council encouraged Mahaney and other affected residents to attend the November meeting to follow staff recommendations.