Southwestern Oregon Community College representatives, including architects Crow/Clay Associates, will present a Detailed Development Plan for a new Curry Campus based on sustainable and environmentally conscious construction for effective higher education opportunities at eh city of Brookings Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 5.

The new Curry Campus will provide a full Associate Degree program, Practical Nursing and Community Education programming on-site, as well as distance connectivity for Associate Degree Nursing programming and baccalaureate programs through the Southwestern University Center.

The Curry Campus land use request includes permits, approvals and preliminary planning in compliance with conditions of the Lone Ranch Master Plan previously approved by the city of Brookings and other state and federal reviewing agencies. Traffic studies have been conducted in compliance with the Oregon Department of Transportation and Joint Division of State Lands and United States Army Corps of Engineers. Wetland permits have been completed. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Storm Water Discharge Permit for construction activities larger than one acre in size also has been completed. A storm water management plan to control runoff from the development has been completed. Preliminary parking and landscape plans have been prepared for review by applicable public agencies.

The Southwestern and Crow/Clay Associates proposed construction planning also protects historical and environmental interests in the area of the proposed construction. Officials have consulted with the State Historic Preservation Office and State Department of Parks and Recreation, and are following recommendations provided for the protection of Native American cultural resources. A geological report and hydrology study to protect adjacent wetlands and western lily habitats have been completed, and it was determined, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service, that no western lily habitat is located within the proposed development area. The overall proposed size of the current development area has been reduced by more than two acres in order to maintain larger-than-required setbacks from riparian vegetation areas and wetlands.

In order to insure a safe and effective community and educational plan for the future campus, Southwestern representatives have met with the city of Brookings Fire Department, utilities and City building officials to assure the campus complies with requirements for subdivision entry road and infrastructure.

With City Planning Commission approval of the Southwestern Oregon Community College Detailed Development Plan for land use, the plan will be presented to the Brookings City Council. With approval from the city of Brookings, the College plans to initiate construction early in 2009.