Amazon timing weaves well with Turner, Aumsville developments
City of Turner Business Coordinator DJ Thommen observed crews working out near the Home Depot distribution center several weeks ago, and that prompted him to do some investigating.
He discovered what many learned this week when Amazon announced that it’s building a packing and shipping warehouse in east Salem near the intersection of Cordon Road and Aumsville Highway.
It was a pleasant surprise since the new development fits nicely with Turner's current development mode; in recent years the city has elevated its focus on developing business and residential areas. Add to that the Amazon development which could bring an estimated 1,000 jobs to the area, and the two weave together tidily.
The north end of Turner is currently undergoing a significant infrastructural layout with a new development surrounding a lake, dubbed Crawford Crossing. Thommen said the updates will pave the way to the construction of 200 single-family homes and another 130 apartments, located just a few country miles from Amazon’s project.
“I think with the new development at Crawford Crossing, that’s going to supply some employees for (Amazon),” Thommen said. “It will be a good fit.”
Another part of the Turner picture has been a focus on developing its business district to accommodate growth, a focal point of city planning over the last couple of years.
“It’s taken awhile to get the community, business owners, and land owners together and going in the same direction; we achieved that with urban renewal,” Thommen said. “Now with more people coming into the area's new development, it will be good.
“Turner has been a bedroom community for some time. As we grow our businesses, we want to provide the basic needs people need on a daily basis in our town,” he added.
Crawford Crossing in conjunction with another development around the Franzen Reservoir is expected to increase Turner’s population significantly. The city’s population currently hovers between 1,800 and 1,900.
"Turner won’t look the same in the next few years; (developments) will add another 50 percent to our population," Thommen said.
Other area hamlets may also be affected by the combined developments, including Turner’s neighbor just up Mill Creek Road.
“Considering the location of this new distribution center, we think this could increase demand for housing in our area,” Aumsville City Administrator Ron Harding said.
Aumsville has seen its population inch up close to 4,000 this year, and the Amazon development’s timing is consistent with Aumsville’s developments.
Harding itemized the city’s current construction scenario: 84 new homes on the east side of the city are currently under construction, while 13 homes close to downtown and a 172 unit apartment complex on the west side of the city are scheduled to begin construction later this year or early next year.
“So there will be opportunity for the city of Aumsville to accommodate any new residents looking for a close location with great livability,” Harding said, adding a pitch of encouragement:
“Our family-friendly atmosphere, focus on parks and recreation, and commitments to remaining a rural community while providing some urban services continue to make the city attractive.”
jmuch@StatesmanJournal.com or cell 503-508-8157 or follow at twitter.com/justinmuch
More:Turner turns ground at Crawford Crossing
More:Aumsville slates hearings on plans for property near Aumsville Elementary School
More:Aumsville, Turner historians share ideas
