From “Planning” to “Building”!

From “Approval Finalized” Building Project Update, November 19, 2014 –

“On March 26, 2014, Fr. Andreas and our building group met with the real estate agent to look at the property at 647 Valley View Road, Ashland. We examined the dwelling and the property for our potential use. During the month of April, we investigated land purchasing, development and church construction. We made contact with the Jackson County Planning Department and began learning about the land use planning and approval process. In May, contacts were made with many of the necessary players: Rogue Valley Sewer Services, ODOT, Jackson County Roads, engineers, architects and consultants.”

And now, 6 years later, after making contact with the Jackson County Planning Department, Rogue Valley Sewer Services, Oregon Department of Transportation, Jackson County Roads, Talent Irrigation District, our architects- Kistler, Small and White, engineers and consultants, we learned that we have completed what was needed to satisfy the requirements of our Conditional Use Permit granted to us 6 years ago by Jackson County Planning. In the initial phase, we went through a Schematic Design process to design the temple. Then we entered into a Design Development phase to bring the Schematic Design to life through architectural plans, engineering plans and satisfying Jackson County Planning requirements. Each step we went through has been a learning process requiring understanding county code language, numerous emails, phone calls and follow-ups. What a journey it has been! 

And now, after 6 years, we have satisfied all the requirements of Jackson County Planning and we have officially moved to the next department- Jackson County Building! Now, we officially start our temple building! Let us give thanks to all involved in our Building Project as we build our temple “first and foremost in our own hearts”!

Glory to God for all Things!

Property Update: Our next project- Site Work! 

We are now in the process of raising $300k for our Site Work phase, where the temple area, driveway and parking levels will be shaped to prepare us for the actual building of the new church. Currently, we have raised approximately $167k of the $300k needed for the project. Thank you everyone who have contributed so far!

Rebuilding what was lost in the Almeda Fire

We have received word from His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin, that we will receive monies collected from a wildfire relief fund to cover losses on our church property as well as to help wildfire victims in our parish and beyond. 

We are in the process of getting a cost estimate to replace the burnt sections of fencing, to plant new trees and to replace our shed and any irrigation parts needed. We are looking to complete these projects as soon as possible!

We have also received news that the State of Oregon will remove ash and debris as well as potential removal of hazard trees in step 2 of their clean-up phase at no cost to us. The debris removal will take place some time in the next year or so.

Finally, a new icon of Archangel Gabriel has been ordered to replace the one burnt in the fire on our church property.

In Christ,
Reader Brendan O’Neill, for the Parish Council