05/22/1989 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e separates commercial and residential activities; it will not impede pedestrian and bicycle circulation, emergency vehicle access, public service delivery, or adequate service of mass transit), staff recommends that the diverter be made permanent. Responding to Ms. Ehrman's inquiry about the impact of the Chambers Connector, Mr. Williams said the temporary diverter has been in place since the opening of the connector so there has not been a traffic count without it, but he would expect neighborhood traffic to increase significantly if it was removed. Mayor Miller opened the public hearing. Jean Reinhardt, 1433 West 5th Avenue, spoke as co-chair of the 5th Avenue Traffic Committee. She presented a letter with over 50 signatures in support of the establishment of a permanent traffic diverter. Scott Kayser, 91911 Highway 99, Junction City, identified himself as manager of Central Lane Building Supply, located west of the diverter. Mr. Kayser said the diverter makes access to his business difficult for customers coming from the east and he considered the diverter responsible for customers dis- continuing business with Central Lane. Vince LaRochelle, 1149 West 5th Avenue, urged the council to establish a permanent diverter. As a neighborhood resident, he found the resulting reduction in traffic worth the slight inconvenience caused by the diverter. Owen Kayser, 1593 West 5th Avenue, said he had lived in the neighborhood for 45 years and he thought the diverter created a hardship for property owners by making access difficult. He presented a petition opposing the diverter signed by over 470 customers of Central Lane Building Supply. Roni Coleman, 1457 West 5th Avenue, reported that the temporary diverter had improved the quality of life in the neighborhood and she strongly urged that it be made permanent. Ms. Coleman pointed out that 6th and 7th avenues are available for commercial use. Rich Snider, 1697 West 5th Avenue, identified himself as the owner of Eugene Mirror and Glass. Mr. Snider described the neighborhood as a mixture of residential and commercial property. He reported that he had spoken with an employee of the City at the diverter site and the conversation convinced him that the City had made a decision to establish a permanent diverter prior to the public hearing. Mr. Snider suggested prohibiting left turns off River Road between 7 and 9 a.m. John Burton, 1391 West 5th Avenue, supported a permanent diverter and said that major connectors can adequately handle commercial traffic. In Mr. Burton's opinion, too much emphasis is given to automobiles when establishing priorities. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 22, 1989 Page 3