Habitat project gains preliminary approval; City expands yard debris program; St Vincent de Paul offers financial literacy.

Habitat project to cost more, but approval gained…

The process lasted until midnight Tuesday as the Florence Planning Commission granted preliminary approval for a planned unit development and subdivision for Habitat for Humanity. Habitat director Kate McBroom-Redwine says clearing for a new street into the site near the Booster-Senior Center on 15th Street is expected to begin in the next few weeks with construction on the first of up to 20 homes beginning by late spring. The property actually belongs to the City of Florence. McBroom-Redwine says a land swap with the city for a parcel owned by Habitat near 9th Street is expected to be finalized in the next few weeks. The Planning Commission approval will ultimately end up costing the non-profit group more money. The panel added several conditions, including requirements for more ‘on-street’ parking and lighting of a nature trail. McBroom-Redwine didn’t have an estimate of just how much more those would cost. City staffers noted the Planning Commission was sensitive to an impending grant deadline for Habitat and that’s why they worked late into the night Tuesday, rather than continue the matter to a future meeting.

The City of Florence will be expanding their yard debris dropoff program, but only to those living inside the Urban Growth Boundary. Dunes City officials had asked earlier to possibly include their residents in the ‘green waste’ program offered monthly by Florence. But, discussions at the Florence City Council earlier this month made it clear that body wasn’t interested however. Instead, yard debris, lawn clippings and other woody refuse will only be accepted from within the city’s UGB. They’re still working on the final details. Public Works is also working on a program that would mix the ground debris with waste treatment sludge for possible sale as fertilizer and soil amendment.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County is interested in increasing the financial literacy of area residents. They’re offering a free ten-hour course teaching about tracking money, budgeting and savings. The first of four sessions is Tuesday night in the Community Room at Oak Terrace Apartments. More information can be had by calling Colleen Stewart at 687-5820.

The Florence Police Auxiliary will be offering treats on Halloween night at the Justice Center on Ninth Street. Members of the auxiliary will greet any and all kids… in costume or not… at the center between five and 6:30 PM on Saturday. Auxiliary spokesperson Andi Belk says it’s a great way to introduce kids to police as well as give them a safe and fun place to trick or treat.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

You can run off that Halloween candy even before you go trick-or-treating. The Siuslaw Athletic Boosters are hosting the “Move Your Bones” run Saturday morning at Florence Municipal Airport. There’s a no-cost kids ‘fun run’ at nine, then an ‘all-comers’ 5k at 9:30. All proceeds go to support athletics at Siuslaw schools. A registration form is available on-line at KCST.com or at several area businesses.

On the Schedule…
The Mapleton Sailors Volleyball team will be at McKenzie High School tonight for a Mountain West League Volleyball playoff match. A victory would ensure them spot in the OSAA 1A playoffs. If they lose, they still have a chance but will have to win a match at a ‘seeding’ tournament in Junction City on Saturday. In the Sunset League, the Reedsport Braves wrap up regular season play in Gold Beach tonight against the Panthers.

The Far West League District Cross Country meet is set to begin at noon today at Tugman State Park in Lakeside.

And, the Mapleton Sailor Football team picked up a Mountain West League Victory this week without even taking the field…. Their scheduled opponent was Eddyville… they had to cancel due to excessive illnesses.