GP Library Lease Negotiations Move Forward with Optimism as Talks Continue This Week

Following a productive library lease negotiation meeting this week, leaders of the Josephine Community Library District report that discussions about the lease for the county-owned Grants Pass library facility are moving forward. Library leaders attribute this forward momentum to the continued engagement and support of the community. While the details of a new lease agreement have not yet been finalized, the library district and Josephine County Board of Commissioners are engaged in continued negotiations and Library Director Kate Lasky expressed optimism about reaching a resolution that protects community access to library services. Lasky said they're encouraged by the progress made during the latest meeting and hopeful about the direction of the talks. The current lease runs through December 31st. The Commissioners are expected to review the terms of the proposed agreement later this month. The library district board will follow with its own review next month. If negotiations stay on track, a final lease agreement is expected to be completed by the end of August. The district encourages residents to stay engaged, continue asking questions and remain active in support of a long-term agreement that preserves reliable library service for everyone in Josephine County. ...Read more

GP City Council Makes Quick Work of Business Session with Housekeeping Items

The Grants Pass City Council made quick work of a brief business agenda on Wednesday night. The City Council first approved the vacation of a property line between two lots on Redwood Avenue. An existing building straddles the shared line and there is just one owner for both lots -- Southern Oregon Sanitation -- which intends to change the use of the existing building. Removal of the property line allows the long-time local company to meet minimum setback requirements. The Council then approved two ordinances adopting a developer-installed reimbursement district for the E Street Sewer Extension and the Buckmaster Subdivision Water Main Extension. Two citizens -- Emma Black and Bob Lange -- were appointed to the Bikeways & Walkways Committee. Councilors adjourned and reconvened as the Urban Renewal Agency, which then approved a building rehabilitation grant in the amount of $44,973 for Ausland Holdings for the building at 735 SE 6th Street known as "The Riverway." The amount represents 25% of the total qualifying project costs. ...Read more

GP Historical Buildings & Sites Commission Approves New Downtown Owl Mural

The Grants Pass Historical Buildings & Sites Commission has approved a new mural to be located on the Kienlan-Harbeck Building. The building owner proposes a new mural to be located on the rear wall facing the Owl Parking Lot. Appropriately, the artwork of the new mural will depict a flying owl to be painted by local artist Cate Battles. It will cover the entire back of the existing two-story building at the northeast corner of 5th and G streets. The Kienlan-Harbeck Building is located within the Grants Pass National Historic District. The Owl Parking Lot is slated for construction that will allow the lot to also be used as a plaza for downtown events such as Art Along the Rogue. ...Read more