Appeals Court Rules In Favor Of OSU-Cascades

Oregon's Court of Appeals issued a ruling in favor of Oregon State University-Cascades Wednesday. The court upheld an earlier decision by the state Land Use Board of Appeals.

The university's plan for an initial 10 acres of their Bend campus was challenged by local group Truth In Site. They argued that OSU-Cascades should be required to submit a plan for the entire proposed campus, instead of only for the first 10 acres.

OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson said she's pleased with the court ruling.  

"It's not unexpected, but it's always great to get one more affirmation that what we're doing conforms with Oregon's land use law and the city of Bend's codes," Johnson said. "We just see this as another step in our process, but it also really affirms and reduces any risk going forward." 

OSU-Cascades began construction on the campus this summer, despite the legal challenge.

"The ruling today doesn't endorse that this is a well-thought out plan, or that OSU has widespread community support for this location," said Tracy Pfiffner, spokeswoman for Truth In Site. "Legal doesn't make it right."

Truth In Site could still take the case to the state Supreme Court.

"We're keeping all our options on the table," Pfiffner said.