Build Out Scenarios Project and Survey

Introduction

In light of population projections that show growth will happen in Coburg, the City of Coburg is exploring some very different development scenarios. These are hypothetical and are only intended to show what could happen on several open parcels of land around Coburg if developers just followed the current code requirements. These scenarios, for better or worse, help the city envision different development types and development densities. The scenarios address the projected increase in population with existing buildable land in order to meet additional housing demand and employment needs over time. While you may like or dislike some of the scenarios, they all could be built today following the current code. In the survey noted here, we ask what you like and dislike so that, in the future, we may be able to modify our code to ensure what gets built is closer to what the community envisions for Coburg consistent with applicable laws and regulations.

Thank you for participating in the survey! The survey received 208
responses, which is over 16% of the total population of Coburg, a
statistically significant portion. 

Coburg (20-Year) Community Vision Statement

The lovely City of Coburg is a safe, historic, neighborly community, whose residents enjoy a slower-paced, small town, quality of life. The charming Main Street, rich agrarian heritage, and vintage homes are celebrated with numerous family-friendly events, gatherings, and festivals. Coburg’s bountiful spiritual and rural life generates an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming to all. The community center is home to a library, art gallery, and technology center, and features programs for residents and visitors, old and young. Clear and transparent communication between government, business, and residents, as well as a culture of volunteerism and philanthropy, are at the heart of Coburg’s progress.

While Coburg enjoys close proximity to a metropolitan area, it maintains its own resources and services, including responsive and well-equipped fire, police, and public works departments. Residents appreciate the city’s beautifully maintained parks, green spaces, and well-lit bike and walking paths, all in the context of a distinguished historic town. Children benefit from high quality, locally managed schools. In addition, Coburg’s clean, well-maintained, treed streets, feature an attractive range of housing options that reflect the city’s attention to thoughtful growth and are consistent with its small town appeal.
Coburg’s historic downtown showcases beautifully preserved buildings accommodating a diverse and inviting array of locally owned, culturally congruent businesses, including antique shops, restaurants, groceries, and markets. The vibrant economic environment fosters entrepreneurship, generates jobs, and builds on Coburg’s prominence as a popular visitor destination and agricultural center. As a unique and welcoming community, Coburg sustains the heart and soul of its rich traditions, while continuously embracing its exciting future.

Community Engagement

Coburg residents and stakeholders have actively participated in planning efforts in the city including the Comprehensive Plan and Community Visioning Project. For these build-out scenarios, the Urban Collaborative team will be engaging with the community through a virtual City Council Work Session meeting on November 17th via Zoom. If you would like to participate in the meeting, please call 541-682-7850 to request a Zoom invite. If you would like to watch, the meeting will be live streamed here.

The planning team developed two scenarios for each setting and evaluated them against Coburg’s existing vision and goals. Starting with the existing condition for each setting, Scenario 1 shows an example of low density development and Scenario 2 shows a medium to high density development example. Community impact will also be discussed for each project relating to economic, environmental, and social impacts.

“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency.”
- Daniel Burnham, 1846-1912