ROGUE RIVER — A 103-acre residential development nearly a decade in the making on Wards Creek was approved by the City Council during a special meeting Tuesday.

With 37 homes on 2.5-acre lots, it is the largest proposed development within the city’s urban growth boundary, said City Administrator Mark Reagles.

The property, located off Wards Creek Road east of the Woodville Cemetery, was originally subdivided in 1912 — but was never developed, city records show.

The county-zoned property, which abuts the eastern boundary of the city, was purchased by Crown West Development in 1995. Medford developer Gary Whittle is the managing partner.

Whittle’s original plan presented to the city in 1996 was to create 150 homesites in phased development. The plan was denied by the city, he said.

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"They’re just scared of growth," said Whittle on Wednesday. "They want to protect their rural identity. But it’s keeping them poor."

Whittle said at Tuesday’s meeting he plans to sell the lots for between $325,000 to $450,000 per parcel.

Whittle’s project is under Jackson County jurisdiction. But Rogue River zoning requires applicants within their urban growth boundary with lots smaller than 10 acres to submit a plan for conversion, demonstrating a possibility for high density building if the property were to be annexed within city limits.

Whittle showed his property could be divided into 304 separate lots, a planning exercise that drew some concern from local residents over the city’s ability to absorb a population increase of that size.

That conversion plan will never come to fruition, said Whittle on Wednesday.

"Nobody spends a million-plus for acreage and a home and then tears it down," said Whittle.

Before the high-density development could be created, it would require multiple changes including bringing in city water and sewer, Reagles said. Most important, annexation would require voter approval, he said.

Water for homes in the development will not be supplied by the city’s dwindling resources, emphasized the council.

Councilman John Bond said with anticipated development within the city, Rogue River may soon reach its daily capacity for water — one million gallons.

"We’ve already had many days that have exceeded 800,000 gallons," said Bond.

The 37-parcel plan requires the developers to drill wells and put in septic systems. Irrigation will be limited to a half-acre.

The project also includes riparian protection for Wards Creek and a few small wetlands.

Proposed access to Third Street will be limited to police and emergency services vehicles only, Whittle said.

Whittle hopes to market the sites to doctors, lawyers and other highly paid professionals in Grants Pass, Medford and California, he said. He plans to begin installing roads next year, he added.

"It’s only been 10 years," said Whittle.

Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail sspecht @mailtribune.com.