The developer behind a housing proposal on Bend’s west side has withdrawn its application after the city’s Planning Commission voted against the plan.

William Smith Properties, along with Central Oregon Community College, had proposed building multifamily housing on 15 acres of college-owned land south of Shevlin Park Road at Mt. Washington Drive.

Since part of the land is zoned for single-family housing, the two groups had applied for a change to the city’s general plan map that determines what can be built where.

Planning staff back in July recommended the commission sign off on the change with some conditions, saying the development would help meet the city’s goal of increasing residential density and adding housing other than single-family homes.

But the plan drew the ire of neighbors, who argued the development would mean increased traffic and changes to the character of the surrounding neighborhood. An online petition against the plan garnered more than 1,000 signatures, and dozens signed up to testify before the Planning Commission at a July hearing on the application.

The Planning Commission voted 5-1 last month against the plan. It was scheduled to vote on staff findings on the decision at a meeting Monday. That information would have then gone to the City Council, which would have had final say.

In a letter to planning staff dated Friday, developer Bill Smith asked to withdraw the application.

“Now that it’s been withdrawn, there will not be a final order from the Planning Commission,” said Amy Berry, senior planner with the city of Bend, noting the developer could submit a new application for the same property in the future.

A spokesman for COCC said development remains a possibility.

“In consultation with our partners, William Smith Properties, the college has decided not to move forward with the zone change request at this time,” said Ron Paradis, director of college relations. “We continue to look at our options. We’re not ruling out anything at this point.”

— Reporter: 541-617-7837,

aspegman@bendbulletin.com