10/10/1983 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Patrie Smith, 2875 Taylor Street, Eugene, said he represented the Office of Student Advocacy, a branch of the Associated Students of the University of e Oregon (ASUO). He referred to point #2 of the memo submitted to the council, stating that a survey had been conducted on October 8 to inventory on- and off-street parking in the West University area. He said 170 properties of the 200 inventoried had garages, carports, or other off-street parking. He ques- tioned the West University Neighborhood study which quoted a 70-percent figure of non-resident cars parked on the streets, asking how many of the cars were owned by residents who had off-street parking available. He felt the program was incomplete because true parking needs had not been determined. He agreed that the potential for a black market for parking permits did exist. He also asked the council to compare this program with the South University Neighborhood Area preferential parking program, noting that taking half the streets out of the free parking realm had proven to be a reasonable alternative. Barbara McCarth~, 500 East 16th Street, Eugene, Assistant Coordinator for University Affalrs for the ASUO, said she realized that much time had been spent in developing the parking program for the WUN area, but added that the process and solution left much to be desired. She said that parking sign posts were placed and permits went on sale prior to the public hearing. She said that institutional administrators, and not the affected groups, were asked for input during the process, which took place during the summer when most students were out of town. She questioned the expenditure of City funds to invite input in support of the program. Ms. McCarthy said the rate structure was prohibitive to students, stating that finances were the primary reason students drop out of school. She emphasized that the University was Eugene1s largest employer, yet this policy alienated the students from the City. She stressed that money spent e on parking permits would not be spent in the area stores. Stating that the distributed brochure was unclear, she questioned staff on how the permits would be allocated to ensure only residents received the free permits. She asked if the present boundaries were permanent, or would more money be spent in future modifications? She asked how the rate structure was determined and on what the fees and fines would be spent, suggesting that this money be used to improve public transportation to the campus. She questioned why the sign posts were installed on a Saturday when labor expenses were high. She felt a poor brochure and unavailable staff had left many questions unanswered. She suggested that program implementation be delayed to allow input from University students and employees as well as other employee groups. Terri Krupka, 1625 Henderson, F2, Eugene, said she was an employee of the Bureau of Land Management and she was concerned that BLM employees had not been given voting rights on this issue. She said the parking problem appeared in mid- September, adding that a low-rate parking program should be instituted for students. She said that the money she usually spends in downtown Eugene would stop if this program were implemented. She acknowledged that rapid transit was being encouraged, but she questioned the need for two bicycle lanes on Alder Street where parking was needed. She expressed her concern for the safety of individuals who must work odd hours. She said a survey of parking lot fees did not support the notion that the program would deter students from parking on the streets. She asked that staff develop alternatives to the program. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 10, 1983 Page 3