01/04/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . "More than any other project, the Riverfront Research Park represents the hope for the future--a future based on the industry of knowledge and research. A tomorrow that is built upon three great assets of today: the University of Oregon, a workforce that is among the most educated in the country, and a superb quality of life. "In 1987, the vision of the Riverfront Park began to take shape. Working with the communi ty, the Ri verfront Park Commi ss i on and our pri vate partners developed a master site plan that has been presented to you. "Eugene is well-known for its active public process. And this project has been no exception. The Riverfront project emerged from a series of community forums and intense scrutiny, and I am confident it emerged a better project. I'd like to thank each of you that were involved in that process. You own a part of that development. "I'd like to share with you a meeting that I participated in just a few weeks ago, a meeting that was set up by the chair of the Lane County Commission, Bill Rogers, a meeting that John Ball and I attended along with Bill in Salem. It was with the State Transportation Department and the State Department of Economic Development. We went there to put to rest the rumors and to ask the direct question, whether they were ready to proceed on their commitment. Basically they asked us, 'What are you waiting for?' They are committed and will spend millions--millions of dollars--on that project. They will begin those expenditures in (FY)1988--just months away. "And when we talk about that meeting--and it was a particularly, I think, fundamental meeting that had to take place. It was kind of a checking: are we headed the right direction? It was really a checking on the Governor's commitment of a year ago, if you'll recall, when he was here and declared that that was an ideal strategy. "And when we talk about that, I want to tell you one other good thing that happened. Without a request from us, Senator Larry Hill drove from Eugene-- had heard about the meeting, drove from Eugene, and walked in and sat down-- and was very supportive of that project and the legislative history that has gone on. "I mention that because Larry made that commitment--hedidn't have to be there--I mention it because the rest of our delegation has been equally as committed to this community and this metropolitan area. And I appreciate it very much. I don't think Larry's in the audience today--if he is, certainly I thank him, and he has already received a letter from me acknowledging and expressing our appreciation for that type of support. "And lid like you to join with me to recognize a group of people that have been gi ven a task of formul at i ng a Regi ona 1 Economi c Strategy--one that is difficult because it is almost a political impossibility to make friends out of everybody--but people that have taken it serious and that's our Lane County Commissioners. Unfortunately Bill Rogers is not here, but we have four of them. I wonder if you would stand up, Ellie and Steve, Jerry and John. I want to recognize you and thank you. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 4