09/09/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Brody distributed a letter dated September 9, 1985, from Mike Farthing to the council. e III. TRANSITION FROM A MASTER DEVELOPMENT TO A PHASED DEVELOPMENT IN THE DOWNTOWN Mr. Schwartz discussed the transition from a master development to a phased development of the downtown. He said the downtown should capture its share of economic growth now. The City is the largest land owner in the downtown. It is a complex environment. The Downtown Plan is a blueprint for protecting the investment. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Schwartz said the study by Lloyd LeBlanc indicated retail sales at a higher level than they are. There is more of a demand for downtown sales than is realized. Mr. Gleason said the Eugene retail market is higher than other similar retail markets. Greg Byrne of the Eugene Development Department discussed the Downtown Plan. He said the Price Development project did not succeed because it required a very large initial investment which was not available. Ms. Wooten noted that the initial investment was for land acquisition, the relocation of existing businesses, and parking. The project expanded to areas the City does not own. Responding to a question about the change in the plan, Mr. Byrne said the plan changed several times as the developer talked to clients. e Mr. Byrne said the downtown share of retail expansion in the next ten years should be between 220,000 and 550,000 square feet of new retail construction. That includes the existing retail space that is under-used now. He emphasized that the Downtown Commission wishes to seek new construction. He discussed available City-owned property and said the City will aggressively market those sites. The priorities in the Downtown Plan can be implemented for about $7 million. He discussed ways of funding it. Most of the projects are in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Responding to questions from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Schwartz said the Overpark retail space is broken up and will be used for small businesses. Major stores will need larger spaces. Mr. Byrne said the Downtown Plan indicates the opening of two blocks of Willamette will be studied after the block from 10th to 11th is opened. Some utilities will have to be relocated because they bisect City- owned properties. Ms. Ehrman said the council did not agree to fund the Lane Transit District permanent facility. Mayor Obie noted that the biggest cost is for the central plaza. Responding to questions, Mr. Byrne said the Downtown Plan does not locate the central plaza specifically. Such things as the Eugene Celebration will take place on it. Office buildings would be considered for the available sites. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 9, 1985 Page 4