Florence, Ore. – The Lane Community College (LCC) Board of Education and city officials are conducting a fact‑finding study of a 10‑acre forested parcel behind the college’s Florence Center. The effort, described by city manager Erin Reynolds as an “opportunity to conduct exploration planning and site analysis,” is intended to identify any opportunities or constraints before any decisions are made.

Background and Current Status

The land, deeded to LCC in the 1970s, is zoned for high‑density residential use but carries a deed restriction that it be used for educational purposes. Reynolds told the Florence City Council on Nov. 2 that discussions about the property have been ongoing since 2019 and that the city’s 2025‑27 work plan specifically earmarks the site for partnership and fact‑finding with the college.

Although a presentation on the study was scheduled for the LCC board meeting on Nov. 4, it was removed from the agenda. Board Chair Jesse Maldonado said the information will be added to a future meeting agenda, and board member Zachary Mulholland requested a 30‑day comment period to allow the public to weigh in.

Community Concerns

Board vice‑chair Jerry Rust and several Florence residents have voiced strong reservations. Rust warned that the project could lead to the removal of “the only remaining old‑growth forest in Florence,” describing the land as a “rare piece of the coastal old‑growth ecosystem.” Residents submitted written comments urging the college to preserve the forest for biology, ornithology, agronomy and outdoor‑education classes, or to consider other sites for workforce housing.

Michael Allen of the Florence Climate Emergency Campaign echoed these concerns, noting that the parcel’s deed restriction and ecological value present “severe legal and ecological liabilities” that must be addressed openly.

Workforce Housing Proposal

In 2025, Reynolds and LCC President Stephanie Bulger testified before the Oregon Legislature seeking $5.52 million in state capital funding for the “Florence/LLC Living Learning Neighborhood Project.” Bulger’s proposal envisions up to 250 units of workforce housing intended for educators, medical providers, childcare workers and similar essential occupations. The plan is framed as a “transformative workforce housing and educational initiative” to address the region’s critical need for affordable housing for those who serve the community.

While the need for workforce housing is widely acknowledged, critics argue that other sites could meet this demand without compromising the forest’s ecological integrity.

Next Steps

The LCC board has pledged to provide a full briefing once the misunderstanding about the property and process is clarified, according to senior adviser for strategic communications Jenna McCulley. The board will also consider the public comment period requested by Mulholland before moving forward.

Both the college and the city emphasize that the study is purely informational at this stage. Reynolds reiterated that the focus remains on gathering data and understanding possibilities, not on committing to any development.

What Residents Can Do

Community members are encouraged to submit comments during the upcoming 30‑day window and to attend the next LCC board meeting, where the study findings will be presented. Continued dialogue will be essential to balance the legitimate need for workforce housing with the preservation of Florence’s unique natural resources.

Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.