87-unit ‘workforce housing’ project in the works near St. Charles

Courtesy eMZed Architecture
by Central Oregon Daily News
|
Monday, November 29th 2021
The City of Bend is in the public comment stage for an 87-unit “workforce housing development” near St. Charles.
The Mosaic Conners Apartments would feature six, three-story walkup apartment buildings with one and two-bedroom units accessed via interior stairways.
According to the city’s permit portal, the apartments will be factory-built modules and assembled on site.
The location is 2365 NE Conners Ave. – just north of the hospital and the Pilot Butte Medical Center.

Bend Senior Planner Karen Swenson said the 14-day public comment period for the project closes on Dec. 6th.
Of the four submitted comments so far, all are in favor of the project, Swenson said.
She said the administrative decision likely will be issued mid-January.
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) defines workforce housing as housing affordable to those earning between 60 and 120 percent of area median income (AMI).
The National Association of Realtors says workforce housing is thought of as more affordable housing for moderate to middle income earners.
“Workforce housing was thought of as housing for public employees – teachers, police officers, firefighters, and others who are integral to a community, yet who often cannot afford to live in the communities they serve,” the NAR said. “However, workforce housing also includes housing for young professionals, workers in the construction trades, retail salespeople, office workers and service workers.”
Written comments may be emailed to Karen Swensen kswenson@bendoregon.gov (or sent regular mail to the City of Bend Planning Division, 710 NW Wall St., Bend, Oregon 97703.
Written comments must be received or postmarked by Monday, December 6, 2021.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.


