U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues Approval for Gravel Point’s Aquatic Resources; Two Wetlands Receive Jurisdictional Designation
Perk Development and Bandon Beach Ventures making good on preservation commitments.
BANDON, Oregon / June 16, 2024 — Perk Development and Bandon Beach Ventures reached a major milestone in the development of the Gravel Point project with the approved jurisdictional designation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the aquatic resources found on site. This memorializes both the delineations and classifications of the existing wetlands and other aquatic features. The development team, which is led by Perk Development, and includes Parametrix and Turnstone Environmental, submitted a wetland delineation to USACE in late March requesting approval for the delineation of seven (7) wetland areas and one (1) tidal flowing ditch across the 23.2 acre site along Beach Loop Road in Bandon, Oregon. Of the 7 total wetlands identified, 6 were categorized as ‘non-jurisdictional’ and will be regulated at the City level, falling within the City of Bandon’s Local Wetland Inventory (LWI). The remaining wetland and ditch which were deemed as ‘jurisdictional’ and classified as ‘Waters of the United States’ based upon their connectivity to downstream off-site water bodies.
The development team viewed the USACE approval as validation of its overall approach to the project since it’s inception — ‘to identify, preserve and enhance the site’s natural resources through design which seeks minimal impacts to these valuable resources..’ furthering the effort to eradicate the invasive species of gorse and reintroduce the native species of flora and fauna that have been kicked out over the last thirty to fifty years.
We view this site as a catalyst for the restoration and enhancement of these unique and valuable natural resources Citywide. One of our greatest desires for Gravel Point is that it provides precedent for how we can improve and recapture the beauty and function of these natural assets. We intend to do so through the removal of invasives, the reintroduction of native species, habitat restoration, and implementing innovative storm water management. — Darren Sandeno, Parametrix, who is leading the environmental component of the project
After Bandon Beach Ventures acquired the site in mid-2022, an effort to understand and quantify the site’s unique characteristics began immediately with the removal of invasive plants — primarily gorse which covered nearly 90% of the site. The presence of large amounts of gorse has significantly degraded wetland function by outcompeting native species which once thrived throughout the site. After its removal, the development team quickly learned of the remanence of an old world that laid underneath the thorns and immediately went to work drafting a plan to bring the natural environment back to life.
“A significant step towards these efforts has been achieved through a methodical approach to site plan development that emphasizes avoidance and/or minimal impacts to the existing conditions. To have these unique features be visually distinct, celebrated, and part of the experience is an exciting proposition that we all are seeking to fulfill.” — Darren Sandeno
Out of the total 1.99 acres of delineated aquatic resources on the Gravel Point site, 35,505 square feet (.82 acres) will be protected by the United States. The development team plans to mitigate three (3) specific areas into a larger wetland community that nearby neighbors, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts can view and enjoy.
Currently, Gravel Point has received Final Approval from the City of Bandon for a Type III Consolidated Application for the 110-key hotel with thirty-two (32) detached suites, and a restaurant lodge, and has been further appealed by Oregon Coast Alliance (ORCA) to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) on unsubstantiated allegations that the City of Bandon lacks the infrastructure capacity to support the project and Bandon’s future growth. ORCA previously attacked the developments environmental destruction, and later attacked the requested variance in height, but has changed its strategy toward attacking the City’s facilities at the LUBA level.
ORCA’s mission statement is “To protect the Oregon coast by working with coastal residents for sustainable communities; protection and restoration of coastal and marine natural resources; providing education and advocacy on land use development; and adaptation to climate change.”
ORCA is opposing the very ideals it has vowed to support.
For more information about Gravel Point, please contact Brett Perkins at Perk Development, at brett@perkdevelopmentgroup.com
ABOUT PERK DEVELOPMENT:
Perk Development Group is an entrepreneurial real estate and project development firm that focuses on luxury residential, workforce housing, hospitality, mixed-use and commercial office projects throughout the Western United States. For more information, visit perkdevelopmentgroup.com
