There is more controversy this morning over the 1500 acre Juniper Ridge project. Wal-Mart says the City of Bend’s approach to rezoning 20 acres of the site off Cooley Road for the new Les Schwab headquarters is an inconsistent and improper approach to traffic issues in the area. Councilor Chris Telfer also questions how the proposal will affect the already failing Highway 97 and Cooley Road intersection during last night’s council meeting. The issue was addressed at last night's (Wed) city council meeting.
The Council also votes to change the name of the Newport Avenue Bridge to recognize all veterans. The structure will be renamed the Veterans Memorial Bridge and a pedestrian walkway along the structure will be named for Marine Lance Corporal Randy Newman of Bend who died in the war in Iraq. Newman's father Jerry says he can't understand the reluctance to name the bridge after his son when other communities and counties have named bridges and roads for other slain servicemen. The Newman family left the council meeting bewildered.
Regarding a replacement for John Hummel, 13 people have officially filed to be considered for the council seat he leaves vacant. The list includes former councilor Kathy Eckman. The council meets next Wednesday to narrow down the list to about 5 candidates who will be interviewed March 30th. An appointment could be made by April 4th.