Traffic still a concern to Ocean Dunes Housing nieghbors; gas prices jump; Siuslaw River Bridge delays tomorrow; and feeding the hungry.

Ocean Dunes Housing Development still stirs traffic concerns

Changes to a proposed 37-acre housing development on the eastern edge of Florence helped ease some concerns, but many residents in the Willow Dunes subdivision still say there’ll be too much traffic coming through their neighborhood. Florence Planning Commissioners heard additional testimony last night on the Ocean Dunes Planned Unit Development, a three-phase, 120-unit project that will fill in land between Ocean Dunes Golf Course, Willow Dunes and Three Rivers Casino. Speaking for the developer, Martha Stiven (STY-ven) said they’ve heard neighbor’s concerns and have made changes to the project to address many of them. But, Stiven stressed that the traffic engineer’s report still clearly shows the existing streets are capable of handling the additional traffic that would be generated by their proposal. Stiven also said an agreement with the City of Florence is in the work to route construction traffic through public land to the north. The request for approval of phase three of the project was withdrawn because of concerns about buffering near a tribal cemetery. Planning Commissioners closed the record for new evidence last night, they’ll deliberate and possibly render a decision June 23rd.

Gasoline prices continue to rise, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded increased by 11-cents this past week to $2.43. Oregon’s statewide average jumped by eight cents to $2.51. Florence continues to benefit from some of the lowest prices, on average, in the state but prices jumped by a dime in the past week to $2.44 a gallon. Eugene and Springfield offer the highest average prices in the state according to Triple-A… a gallon of regular unleaded there sells on average for $2.52.

Preparation work on a major renovation of electrical and mechanical elements on the Siuslaw River Bridge on Highway 101 will cause some traffic disruption tomorrow evening. Work will be stopped for 15-to-20 minute intervals tomorrow night as crews re-level the draw spans. Ron Beatty with the Oregon Department of Transportation says the work can only be done in the daylight. The work is a prelude to a $5.3-million project set to begin next month. In addition to the mechanical and electrical upgrade it will also include protection elements for the span and bridge columns. That work is expected to take up to two years.

Tickets are on sale this week for the June sixth Coastal Cuisine Gala to benefit Florence Food Share. More than 25 restaurants and wineries will offer samples of their ware to ticket holders. The food and beverages will also be judged by an expert panel. Admission is $50 per person and are available at Three Rivers Casino, Oregon Pacific Bank and Siuslaw Bank.
Florence Food Share will benefit from this morning’s Need for Speed shopping cart derby at Florence Grocery Outlet. Entrants have paid up to $150 each to participate. They’ll fill carts from a grocery list, and then race to Food Share a block away. The first race begins at 9:45.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

Prep Baseball:
Siuslaw Baseball Coach Jerry Affinito shared ‘Coach of the Year’ honors with North Bend’s Brad Horning and Douglas’ Ryan Hunter as Far West League honors were handed out last week. The longtime coach began his career more than 30 years ago and served two stints at the helm of Viking Baseball. He’s retiring from the diamond as well as the classroom this year.

Several Viking players were recognized. On the first team: Trevor Roberts as pitcher, Kevin Warren at first base, and Kevin Strenke in the outfield. Hagen Holmes, Tim Raybould, Hayden Hiatt and Cody Grimes were named to the second team. Paul Johnston received Honorable Mention.

The Vikings finished the season tied in the standings for second place with an 11-4 league record, 17 – 8 overall. They were eliminated from the state playoffs last week in the first round.