Introduction
When the Grand Terrace Apartments project was first proposed north of Ashland along Highway 99, Rogue Advocates raised strong concerns. The original plan did not adequately address wildfire risk, transportation needs, or fairness in affordable housing. We opposed the project because we believed Ashland deserved better.
After years of delays, revisions, and multiple approvals, the project has returned once again. Tonight, the Ashland City Council is expected to approve the annexation. While the development now seems inevitable, there is no question that our advocacy and community engagement helped improve the final design in meaningful ways.
A Long Road of Delays and Revisions
The Grand Terrace Apartments have been in the works since 2020.
- The project has been approved three separate times by the Planning Commission.
- State law changes repeatedly caused delays, especially around parking requirements and affordable unit sizes.
- Developers kept revising their plans to meet new rules, while Rogue Advocates continued to press for accountability.
Through this process, our appeals and comments helped spotlight weaknesses in the original proposal, forcing changes that now make the project stronger and safer for the community.
The layout of the proposed Grand Terrace project at 1511 Highway 99.
How Advocacy Made a Difference
Although Rogue Advocates opposed the project at the start, we did not walk away once it was clear the developers would continue pushing it forward. Instead, we made our voices heard, submitted detailed comments, and stayed engaged every step of the way.
That persistence led to real results.
Improvements in the Updated Plan
- Fire safety: All buildings will use fire-resistant materials.
- Sustainability: Ten solar-powered buildings are now part of the design.
- Transportation: A transit plaza with bike and pedestrian improvements will reduce car dependence.
- Stormwater protection: New systems will better manage runoff and flooding risks.
- Affordable housing: Twenty-four units will be reserved for households earning 80% of the area’s median income, and importantly, these units will be integrated throughout the development instead of isolated or designed at lower standards.
These changes reflect exactly the type of improvements we fought for. They show what happens when the community holds decision-makers and developers accountable.
The site plan for the Grand Terrace project off Highway 99 just north of Ashland.
What This Means for Ashland
If the project is approved tonight, Ashland will gain more than 200 one-bedroom apartments, including 24 affordable units. While Rogue Advocates still believes Ashland must be cautious about how it grows, we recognize that this version of the project is more responsible than what was first proposed.
| Concern Raised | Change Made |
|---|---|
| Wildfire safety | Fire-resistant construction |
| Renewable energy | Solar-powered buildings |
| Traffic impacts | Transit plaza, bike and pedestrian pathways |
| Water runoff | Modern stormwater systems |
| Affordable housing fairness | 24 integrated units at 80% AMI |
Key Takeaways
- Rogue Advocates initially opposed the Grand Terrace project for serious safety and equity reasons.
- Our appeals and community input resulted in improvements that will benefit future residents.
- The updated plan now includes sustainability features, better design for transportation, and fairer affordable housing standards.
- Advocacy works. Even when development moves forward, strong public engagement can shape a better outcome.
Conclusion
The Grand Terrace Apartments are likely to be approved once again at tonight’s City Council meeting. While we did not support the original proposal, we can say with confidence that our involvement made this project more equitable, sustainable, and safer for the community.
This process shows that when people speak up and stay engaged, their voices matter. Development may happen, but it does not have to happen on the developer’s terms alone. It can reflect the values of the community if we demand it.
Stay engaged, attend public meetings, and continue to push for smart, sustainable growth in Ashland. Together, we can ensure future projects meet the needs of both residents and the environment.