11/23/1992 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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-~--- , . alternative modes would diminish the demand for downtown parking. He stated that if the shuttle forms a core circulation loop with good connections at peak times, it can help alleviate the demand. Ms. Bascom stated that a goal of the shuttle would be to increase the exchange between the university and the downtown, since both places host many events and have parking shortages. Mr. Green noted the concern of midtown merchants that on-street parking there is inadequate and the proposed s~uttle route would not address their custom- ers' needs. Mr. Viggiano responded that a route south to approximately 18th Avenue would entail both a cost disadvantage and a circuitous trip for passengers traveling between the university and downtown. Mr. Nicholson stated that it is important to address the university's parking problems, especially at Autzen Stadium, and the current shuttle proposal would not do so. He asked whether the shuttle could include a loop over the Ferry Street Bridge, perhaps including Valley River Center, if the bridge is widened or supplemented with another bridge. Mr. Viggiano said the suggestion could be reviewed. In response to Ms. Bascom's question, Mr. Viggiano said that the shuttle would cost between $100,000 and $400,000 per year to operate, with the higher costs for service about every seven minutes. Buses cost approximately S200,000. Mr. Billings said that lTD is interested in purchasing a new type of less- polluting bus by 199B. The shuttle vehicle would be distingUishable from . regular lTD buses. Mr. luell stated that the approaches to mitigating loss of downtown parking to the new transit station assume a substantial increase in use of alternative modes. He said that a supply-and-demand study--assuming a new library, renovation of the Atrium Building, and full build-out downtown--has projected a deficit of 670-770 parking stalls within a nine-block radius of the new transit station site. The deficit is projected to develop during the coming five to ten years. The three pOSSible approaches to the problem are I} structured parking only; Z) alternative modes and structured parking; or 3) alternative modes only. The second approach appears most consistent with council policy and the needs of large-scale parking consumers such as lane Community College's (LCC's) Downtown Center. Mr. Luell presented three options to implement the second approach: * Option A, a freestanding parking structure that would create a net of 225 spaces at an estimated cost of $6-B million. Advantages: would support the proposed library and future west-end development. Disad- vantages: a projected operating shortfall for at least five years. * Option B, expansion of the Overpark, that would create a net of 135 spaces at an estimated cost of $4.5-5.5 million. Advantages: would support existing demand; responsive to LCC's needs; and has positive . MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 23, 1992 Page 3 5:30 p.m.