Decision on Witham Oaks Postponed Until June 4th

On Monday, May 21st, the Corvallis City Council listened to the arguments for and against supporting the city Planning Commission's decision to grant Palisch Homes (a subsidiary of Legend Homes) permission to obliterate a native oak savanna, and replace it with 40 acres of urban sprawl. The room was packed with people opposed to the development project, many of whom testified vehemently against granting Palisch permission to build on the Witham Oaks parcel. There was only one speaker, from the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, supportive of the Palisch project. The eloquent speeches in favor of preserving the oak savanna, however, seem to have fallen on deaf ears. By the end of the meeting, it was apparent that Palisch would probably triumph.

The final decision will be made by the City Council at their next regular meeting, on June 4th. Despite the stunning opposition to the development project marshaled by the community, the city government is likely to side with corporate power, rather than people-power. Does this mean Witham is doomed? Fortunately, no. The City Council's decision can still be appealed to the Land Use Board of Appeals. Now, more than ever, it is important to keep tabs on the progress of this effort. We must not let the development project occur; oak savanna is a threatened habitat that is declining across the country, and destruction of this ecosystem will severely impact biodiversity in the Corvallis area. Oregon Local Sustainability will be reporting on the outcome of the June 4th meeting, and on how Witham Oaks can be saved.