Grants Pass, Oregon Development News
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Downtown Business Owner Supports Exclusion Zone, Requests Inclusion of Repeat Trespassers
During public comment, resident Justin Gerlitz, who has an office in the downtown exclusion zone, expressed support for the proposed ordinance. He commended the council and public safety for their efforts. However, he specifically requested that repeat trespassers on private property be added to the exclusion zone, even if not initially included in the ordinance. He noted that he experiences trespassers in his office multiple times a week and that current measures are insufficient. Gerlitz also questioned if sleeping in doorways was excluded from the ordinance, expressing it as one of his biggest issues.
Resident Raises Privacy Concerns Over Flock Safety Camera Deployment in Grants Pass
During the general public comment session, resident Luke Matthew raised concerns about the Flock Safety cameras being deployed in Grants Pass and the Rogue Valley. He described Flock Safety as a license plate reading company that also uses AI to identify people, vehicles, animals, and bikes, enabling complex searches. Matthew stated that the company's technology goes beyond simple license plate reading and can identify characteristics such as gender, race, height, weight, or clothing. He expressed concerns that this technology, described as "Search Once, See Everything," could be used without a warrant and that what seems harmless now could become incriminating later. He highlighted that these cameras are funded by tax dollars or grants and that the city did not hold a public meeting to vote on their installation. Matthew concluded by stating his belief that these cameras are an invasion of privacy and unconstitutional.
Grants Pass City Council Tables Middle Housing Land Division Code Amendments for Further Review
The Grants Pass City Council voted to table a legislative hearing on proposed amendments to the development code concerning middle housing land divisions. The proposed changes aim to implement state requirements under Senate Bill 458-2021, which mandates that cities allow for middle housing land divisions. The city hired MIG consulting to help draft these code updates. The hearing was continued to allow staff to review recommendations from the Development Code Task Force, specifically concerning restrictions on land divisions within the same calendar year, the requirement for public water service for middle housing lots, and the level of detail required for building plans submitted with land division applications. These recommendations, if adopted, would necessitate modifications to the proposed amendments.
Resident Expresses Concerns Over Beacon Hill Park Survey and Press Release
During the general public comment period, resident Holly Christensen voiced concerns about the Beacon Hill Park Survey and the press release issued by the city. She expressed frustration that some residents feel the decision to develop a park at that location has already been made, despite the survey being open until July 12th. Christensen argued that the park's location could attract homeless individuals and exacerbate existing problems with public restrooms and drug use, citing her personal experiences in the northeast part of town. She emphasized that the survey is meant to gauge public support for a park at that location, not just its features. She urged the council to address current park issues before allocating funds for a new one.
Grants Pass Council Approves Police Vehicle Purchase, Debates Future of Electric Fleet
The Grants Pass City Council approved the consent agenda, which included the purchase of four vehicles for the police department. Councilmember Rick had requested to "star" item A, the purchase of these vehicles, to discuss the possibility of acquiring one of the vehicles as a hybrid or fully electric model. Staff and council members debated the feasibility and practicality of using electric vehicles for police pursuit roles, considering factors such as cost, charging infrastructure, vehicle performance in varying weather conditions, and the availability of suitable models. Ultimately, the council decided to proceed with the original recommendation for four gasoline-powered vehicles, but agreed to consider electric vehicles for other city fleet applications in the future and to have staff provide a memo on the cost and resource requirements for gathering more comprehensive information on fleet electrification. Item C, related to the development code text amendment for middle housing, was removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.
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The Grants Pass News archive
Board Meeting 7 7 2026
Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
City of Grants Pass City Council Meeting July 1, 2026
Grants Pass City Council - July 1, 2026
City Council Workshop and Special Meeting Agenda
Grants Pass City Council Workshop - June 29, 2026
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