Biz Beat 10-15-2015

Cascade Manor rises two and three stories above the sidewalks on 29th and 30th avenues in south Eugene, and the large campus of up-scale retirement apartments and assisted living is often mentioned in discussions about the controversial plans to rezone and develop the nearby South Willamette neighborhood into a more urban area with high-rise buildings. “There is a common misconception that Cascade Manor has something to do with the city’s rezoning effort but they absolutely do not,” says Lauren Witt, a spokesperson for Cascade Manor. Witt quotes Brian Young, executive director for Cascade Manor, saying, “The expansion just happened to be a landmark that the city is using to base its decisions on,” and “city planners may have been influenced by the existing tower, but Cascade Manor did not ask planners to make that recommendation.” Witt says Young “actually shares some of the neighbors’ concerns and thinks some re-evaluation of the proposed height limits should be made.”

Meanwhile, the property’s nearly completed $10 million east side expansion, called 29th Place at Cascade Manor, will create 30 new luxury, independent living apartment homes, add new community amenities and enhance current community features, Witt says. The addition with its 12 different floor plans is 75 percent sold and residents will begin moving in just before January. Nine full-time staff positions will be added.

Maple Tree Healing is a new primary care clinic at 1161 Lincoln Street. The practice held an open house Oct. 2 to introduce Priya J. Carden. M.D., specializing in internal medicine, and Wendy F. Choi, M.D., specializing in family medicine. See mapletreehealing.com. Carden was previously a hospitalist for PeaceHealth. Choi was previously associated with PeaceHealth Medical Group and an urgent care clinic on West 11th Ave.

Brewer Matt Van Wyk leaves Oakshire Brewing later this month to open his own brewery focusing on “very small-batch artisan brewing and barrel-aged beers,” according to a press release from Oakshire. His last day at Oakshire will be Friday, Oct. 23, and Oakshire’s third annual Single Batch Fall Bierfest Saturday, Oct. 24, will serve as Van Wyk’s send-off celebration. Van Wyk led the brewing team for six-plus years as Oakshire’s production grew from 1,000 to 10,000 barrels. Tyler West will take over as head brewer.

The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is holding a series of rulemaking hearings around the state on Oregon’s new protected sick time law (SB 454). In addition, members of the public can submit comments directly to the agency. Email paloma.sparks@state.or.us. A public hearing in Lane County will be from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Eugene Public Library. Find the proposed rules at Oregon.gov/boli.

We hear the annual Two Fly Tournament hosted by the Caddis Fly Angling Shop Oct. 2-3 raised $6,092 for the McKenzie River Trust. Over eight years, the popular catch-and-release fly-fishing contest with volunteer fishing guides in driftboats has raised more than $46,000 to support MRT’s work in protecting trout- and salmon-bearing rivers and streams in our region. The event sells out each year; to be notified about next year’s tournament, send an email to brandi@mckenzieriver.org.

White Bird’s Stay Warm Drive has begun to collect blankets, sleeping bags, winter coats, hats, socks and rain gear for those in need in the community. Drop off donations at the Crisis Clinic at 341 E. 12th Ave. or call 342-8255 to arrange pick-up for larger donations.

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