04/14/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Mayor Obie opened the public hearing. Aaron Ellis, 1280 Willamette Street, favored the conversion from 11th to 20th avenues because it will bring business into the downtown, it will make maneuvering in the downtown easier, and it will make it easier for people to get to businesses on Willamette Street. He said his customers must drive several blocks on one-way streets to find a parking space near his business. George France, 1330 Willamette Street, represented France Photo and was concerned about parking. He said his business will not be able to remain in its present location if parking is reduced. He said two-way traffic will necessitate turnout lanes which will reduce the parking spaces, and there is no public parking in the area. He said, "We've been kind of kicked around through the changes in Eugene a couple of times now, and we are tired of moving. . .If the traffic and parking get messed up again, we will have to close. II He said he only stays open because he has employees. Teresa car~, 1936 Willamette, said she testified previously as a resident and a concerne parent, but this time she is testifying as a feature writer who specializes in economic development, small business, and national resource development and management. She said reviving downtowns as retail centers is an outmoded model. She said downtowns revive because they become financial centers and residential centers for people who want to be near cultural activities. She referred to comments of Lloyd LeBlanc. She said downtown people should stop using marketing methods popular in the 1950's. She did not think the quality of life of people who live 10 or 20 blocks away should be decreased because of deficiencies in downtown retailing that have nothing to do with traffic patterns. She said people will drive as far as Veneta to get goods and services that provide "real value for the dollar. II She said goods and services in the downtown should be a magnet for people with disposable income. James Gaderlund, 1937 Willamette, said he lives in the first owner-occupied residence south of the downtown. He said he is not convinced that a change from one-way to two-way traffic will have a positive impact on downtown business. He said experts have indicated that changes in downtown traffic will not significantly effect business. He read a statement of Lloyd LeBlanc that "nei ther the proposed reopening of Wi 11 amette Street to auto traffic through the mall, nor the possible return of two-way auto traffic on the street's entirety, are significant economic factors in the downtown's revitalization. II Mr. Gaderlund said the Southtowne shops, the Fifth Street Market, and Valley River Inn have traffic problems but are successful shopping areas. He said the downtown area has a good traffic flow, but downtown merchants seem to want to solve problems by spending money. He said he opposes the change to two-way traffic on Willamette Street near his residence, but he would give qualified support to the change from 11th to 13th Street if a marketing firm is hired to assess the impact of the change on downtown business. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 14, 1986 Page 3