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Woodburn Planning Commission approves Hermanson Preserve subdivision with conditions
Summary
The commission approved SUB 25‑02 / PUD 25‑02 (Hermanson Preserve), a 100‑lot preliminary subdivision (91 duplexes, 9 single‑family homes; 191 units) with conditions to protect Hermanson Pond, require tree plantings and trail improvements, and phase openings of new streets.
The Woodburn Planning Commission voted June 25 to approve SUB 25‑02 / PUD 25‑02, the Hermanson Preserve preliminary subdivision, adopting staff recommendations and modifying one condition to add specific lots to a clustering alternative.
Senior planner Dan Handel told the commission that staff recommended approval, calling the uses “permitted outright in the zone” and outlining a package of conditions intended to preserve the Hermanson Pond and Mill Creek corridor while allowing the proposed development. ‘‘Staff’s recommending approval of the project,’’ Handel said.
The approved plan covers a 22.4‑acre site south of Holly Street between Hermanson Pond and Highway 99E and proposes 100 lots configured as 91 duplexes and 9 single‑family homes (191 dwelling units total). The applicant agreed to multiple conditions including invasive species removal on city lands, planting at least 30 trees (including Oregon white oak), trail paving between Deer Run Lane and Wilson Street, and a 3.5‑ft safety fence around the new detention pond.
Commissioner Bartel moved to approve with staff conditions but to modify Condition 35(c) to add Lots 83, 84, 93 and 96; another commissioner seconded the motion and it carried by voice vote. The commission directed staff to prepare a final decision for the chair to sign.
The applicant, represented by Jamie Venakthimal of LEI Engineering, said the design minimizes wetland impacts and that necessary permits from the Department of State Lands and Army Corps will be pursued as required. ‘‘There is no wetland impact on this project other than the required crossing,’’ the applicant stated during rebuttal.
Opponents repeatedly urged denial at the public hearing, citing risks to wildlife, floodplain impacts and neighborhood traffic. Sonia Chavez, who lives three blocks from Hermanson Pond, urged the commission to deny the application and said the site is ‘‘a sensitive ecosystem’’ that should not be the first choice for large new housing.
Next steps: staff will finalize findings and the chair will sign the decision, after which appeal periods and concurrent permitting processes with state and federal agencies (for wetland work) will proceed.
