11/28/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e to the Downtown Development District Review Group's discussion of using general funds to support the free parking program. He said that such a recommendation probably would not be supported by the council, given the current general fund deficit. Mayor Obie said that in voicing support for a mall on Willamette Street, the community has indicated that it wants the street to be more than a retail area. In light of this, he said, the City has a different responsibility to the area in terms of maintenance. Mayor Obie also said that downtown property owners need to bear some of the costs for extra security services that they want. Finally, he stressed that better access and circulation can be achieved in many ways. He understood the commission's frustration regarding the Willamette Street issue, but said that the public sentiment cannot be ignored. . Ms. Bascom said downtown maintenance still seems adequate; however, the funds for maintenance are stretched quite thin. Ms. Bennett stressed the importance of an effective parking program for downtown office development. City Manager Mike Gleason said the way commercial lands are allocated in the metropolitan area has a significant effect on the downtown economy. He stressed the need to conduct a commercial lands study and to develop a program to implement it. . Mr. Schwartz asked if the City Council thinks staff and the commission should consider the reopening of Olive Street to vehicular traffic. Ms. Ehrman said e this possibility should be considered, especially in light of the proposed development on 8th and Willamette. She noted, however, that Don Miles recommended against opening Olive. Mayor Obie said concerns about downtown access and circulation cannot be focused only on one street; a broader focus is needed. Ms. Schue agreed. Ms. Ehrman encouraged the commission to pursue the issue of child care services for downtown. She also mentioned the need for improved access to the Shelton-McMurphey House. Ms. Aspinwall-Lamberts suggested that the council and commission hold more regular joint meetings, perhaps to discuss some specific topics (e.g., the LTD station). Mayor Obie said the Downtown Commission has helped downtown. He encouraged continued progress. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 28, 1988 Page 5