11/24/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Stinson thinks the basic assumptions he referred to should be addressed and corrected before the report is accepted. e '"' Mr. Tom Bowerman, Rt. 2, Eugene, Planner, expressed being deeply disturbed by the effects of the continued urbanization of the Willamette Valley. He would favor sidestepping the present rush down the path of extensive urban sprawl and would therefore endorse the intent of alternatives 3 and 5 of the Study, hoping it would be a starting point toward a new urban pattern stressing strong, self-sufficient neighborhoods, a clean quiet environment, security from energy shortages, and an accessible, productive hinterland. The auto, he feels, has been most disruptive in this regard. Mr. Bowerman went on to encourage consideration of electrically operated equipment in place of those operated by fossil fuels. It is a proven practice which is clean, quiet, and most efficient. Using repulsion motors, he said, breaking could be done by generating current back into the grid, with the system using only the power necessary to overcome friction. He would hope that development of such a system would be coupled with reducing the enormous electrical waste. Mr. Bowerman noted that the system as he suggested would be virtually free from foreign political and economic energy squabbling which is greatly influencing the future. He feels there is no substitute for internally sufficient neighborhoods that would reduce the transportation demand. For inter-neighborhood use, however, an electrical system would substantially improve the picture of public transportation as it contributes to noise, air pollution and energy use. Mr. Bowerman also addressed the issue of responsibility in dealing with the broad subject of transportation, feeling there is sentiment to respond to e consumer habit - building more roads if there are more cars, etc. Very few are willing to justify the personal sacrifice of doing without for the sake of a cleaner, more stable future for all, but it seems all should share in adjustments to more sensible patterns which will only be brought about through energy shortages (with corresonding economic instability) or through policy decisions by public leaders. Gary Spivak, president of the Whiteaker Community Council, referred to the serious transportation problem in his neighborhood. They do have handy access to buses and bike paths, but there are major arterials running through the neighborhood as well. Alternative 3 would seem to be of the greatest advantage to that area, though it is recognized that some sort of change in land use patterns is necessary to accomplish it. More self-sufficient services located within the neighborhoods would be highly desirable, he thought. In talking to the residents of his neighborhood, he has reached conclusions on matters that the citizens would like addressed by LCOG in preparation of the final plan. The most important is the effect of transportation on neighborhood quality. Also important would be the division of neighborhoods by transportation corridors, reduced traffic on residential streets, how the plan would meet the needs of people not adequately served by the present system, parking requirements generated by any plan, and where freeways will be in relation to neighborhoods. Liz Heath, 2087 Law Lane, would urge the adoption of alternative 3. She said the opportunity presents itself for Eugene to make a most viable choice. She has heard much comment that alternative 3 is not realistic. e Granted, it is not the way the city is operating at present, she added, but the opportunity is exciting for a major change in the interest of resource conservation. She added too that plans are being discussed at present for delivery' of social services to the neighborhoods. She strongly urges the government bodies to take the leadership in heading in that direction. hl4- 11/24/75 - 3