A big announcement today from OSU-Cascades:
Bend, Ore. – Oregon State University will begin construction of its new OSU-Cascades campus as soon as required permits are issued by the city of Bend – a process that is expected to take place within the next two weeks.
“This is ultimately about educational opportunities for Central Oregon,” said Ed Ray, Oregon State University president.
He says they lose students every year that the campus is delayed.
OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson said starting construction this summer makes it possible for the OSU-Cascades’ campus to open for classes in fall 2016.
Initial campus development will include two buildings: a 43,650-square-foot academic building and a 113,000-square-foot residence hall and dining center complex, as well as campus streets, pathways and parking.
The new four-year university campus will serve up to 1,890 students.
“OSU carefully reviewed the June 8 decision by LUBA affirming OSU-Cascades’ site plan approval for a 10.44-acre campus in Bend,” Johnson said. “The LUBA decision fully and strongly affirmed the city of Bend’s approval of this site plan.”
Appellants have indicated that they intend to provide notice by a June 29 deadline of their intent to appeal the LUBA decision to the State Court of Appeals.
“Under local code and state law, development is allowed to continue while an appeal is pending.” Johnson said. “Initial construction work will include site preparation and will be completed within city of Bend and Oregon land use laws. All work will be conducted in accordance with city of Bend-issued building permits.”
Johnson said Oregon State has fully assessed an “unlikely remand or reversal” of LUBA’s decision by the Courts of Appeals.
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