As we reported previously, William Smith Properties is planning an expansion project in the Old Mill consisting of three commercial buildings with 31,000 square feet of retail and residential (nine units) space. The project is located on three tax lots located south of the intersection of SW Mill A Drive and SW Powerhouse Drive and is consistent with the Old Mill District Master Plan concept. One of the proposed buildings and a parking area are partially located in the Waterway Overlay Zone (WOZ). The WOZ is intended to conserve and enhance the natural resource values of areas along the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek within the City.

The City of Bend will hold a public hearing before the Planning Commission on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 5:30 pm to consider the Type III WOZ application for this project. You can attend the hearing in person in Council Chambers at 710 NW Wall Street or virtually by Zoom. For those participating virtually, attendees may register here to receive a link to the meeting. To join by phone, call 888-788-0099 and use Webinar ID: 884 9594 1815 and Passcode: 794351.

In addition, the public can submit comments on the application request and must reference project number PLDR20230159. Comments may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the City of Bend Planning Division, 710 Wall St., Bend, Oregon 97703. To review the application, plans and other documents, visit the application webpage.