05/14/1984 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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The public hearing was opened. ~ ~hen Adey, 1375 Bailey Avenue, President of the Whiteaker Community Council, ~ stated that the development of the project had been a difficult process with much disagreement by the residents. He stated that agreement was reached after several months at a meeting attended by 35 members, approximately 25 of which were voting members. Mr. Adey said he believed that the proposal presented by Mr. Hanks reflected the majority of the Whiteaker area residents. Michael Leeds, 366 Clark, stated that he lived approximately one block from the present diverter, having resided in the neighborhood for eight years. He stated that traffic on Lawrence Street prior to the construction of the diverter sometimes moved faster than the traffic on the Washington/Jefferson Street overpass during certain periods of the day. While he said he learned of the diverter only after the fact, Mr. Leeds said he began to support the diverter when he saw the reduced traffic flow through the neighborhood. He felt that the raised crosswalks will allow people to drive through the park and should reduce traffic speed. However, Mr. Leeds suggested that the council consider four-way stop signs on Lawrence to further discourage com- muter traffic if the raised crosswalks prove ineffective. e Elizabeth Fox, 350 North Adams, stated that she has lived in her present location for 10 years. She stated that she would have become active sooner if she had realized that the diverter would actually be constructed. She said the diverter has been a great inconvenience, causing residents to take more dangerous routes to travel to and from their homes. In a partial poll of the neighborhood, Ms. Fox said she had found 150 residents who supported removal of the diverter and that a great number of those residents in the immediate area of the diverter had contacted her to voice their support of the proposal. She hoped the proposed project will work and satisfy everyone concerned. She hoped that it will slow the traffic, thereby possibly eliminating some of the traffic through the neighborhood. There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Wooten recognized that it had been a painful process for her and the Whiteaker residents. She thanked Mr. Hanks for his work in developing the proposal. Regarding the diverter program initiated in 1980, she said four diverters were installed on a trial basis. Ms. Wooten said that only one proved ineffective, one now being replaced by the raised crosswalk and the other two having become permanent features. Councilor Schue, stating that she had originally voted for the diverter, said she was happy that a solution had been developed by the involved individuals. She congratulated those individuals for their work and involvement. She said she will vote for removal of the diverter and to install the alternate system. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to approve the Admini- strative Order of the City Manager, dated May 1, 1984, regarding the removal of the Cheshire Street diverter. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 14, 1984 Page 2