CC Minutes - 09/19/07 Work Session

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Mr. McLauchlan provided an overview of the process and the committee’s report. He underscored that the recommendations had been supported by 70 to 90 percent of the people who provided input, depending on the recommendation. He said the community had largely not been supportive of building a large Cineplex in the downtown area, preferring instead a smaller one-to-four screen theater. He noted that a larger cinema would require large amounts of parking. He related that community sentiments also ran in opposition of a larger 50,000 square foot store; the committee had passed along a recommendation to include a grocery that was 25,000 square feet or smaller. He stressed that this was a cap and not a mid-range estimate. He reported that the committee supported the development of a dense, energetic, multiple- use neighborhood that was active 24 hours a day and wished to emphasize pedestrian, transit, and bicycle access. He thought there may be a need for 500 more parking spaces, noting the committee’s recommendation that parking be built on non-level floors for possible future conversion. Regarding open space, Mr. McLauchlan related that the committee overwhelming preferred a smaller plaza. He underscored that many considered large, deep sidewalks to be a form of open space. Mr. McLauchlan stated that the committee wanted high-quality sustainable buildings to be built that were esthetically attractive and that represented the historic buildings that were there when possible. He said the committee wanted development to achieve the highest level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification possible. Continuing, Mr. McLauchlan indicated that the committee had developed a proposal for the business transition plan that went beyond statutory requirements. He averred that some businesses would be able to relocate to new development and others could move to other areas of the downtown. He hoped businesses would prosper as a result of the project. Ms. Ortiz thanked the committee for their work. She had been impressed by the amount of energy that went into some of the public sessions. She looked forward to advancing the project. Mr. Poling noted his skepticism when the WBAC first convened. He said he now felt very pleased by the end product. He commented that he had never seen anything like the level of public involvement that had gone into the report. He thanked everyone for participating, both the committee members and the citizens. MINUTES—Eugene City Council September 19, 2007 Page 2 Work Session