02/13/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public hearing was opened. Jim Williams, Route 3, Box 318A, Springfield, requested the Com- mission and Council keep in the forefront of the planning the need for local grassroots art programs in the area. He said there is a lack of such facilities and the local performing arts would experience growth if facilities were available. He noted this would not particularly be performance-oriented, but oriented toward improving the quality of life for the community residents. He encouraged the Council to read his report made to the Civic Center Commission earlier. . Mr. Rains, Rains and Company, Engineering Consulting Firm, requested Commission and Council emphasize the importance of using an experi- enced accoustical consultant to make sure the auditorium has a good sound system. He also noted that in the future the facility, if accoustically adequate, could be used for a recording and broad- casting facility. Les Anderson, Chairman, Civic Center Commission, explained the reasons why the Commission had determined Scheme No.7 to be the best at this point. First, in the treatment of Willamette Street, the Commission felt this to be a very possible solution to the problem. Second, having a high-rise facility such as a stage in the theater and a hotel would not block the view looking down. Willamette Street at the Butte. The Commission felt the visual openness very important. Emphasis of the general planning has been on the performing arts community and the Commission felt other services will follow. He said the entire complex will offer an important ingredient to the downtown and provide a cultural center for the entire area. He thought Eugene was very aware of the opportunity it has to develop the various talents in the community, and he has been assured that this will be of high pri- ority in the final development and design of the Center. Ms. Smith questioned the plans for financing. Mr. Anderson replied the decisions reached at this point will enable the Commission to go ahead with more complete financing plans. Included in probable plans for financing might be a combination of general obligation bonds, taxing increments, revenue bonds, and private donations. He said design factors and other variables will determine the final financial figure and planning for financing of the facilities. Those financial figures will be forthcoming to Council. - In a process question, Ms. Smith wondered when the Commission would be presenting to Council for approval the contract for the next phase. ~1anager replied the economic consultant report would be available in about three to four weeks. At that time, the Commission and Council will consider the various alternatives 0 finance that phase of the development. He said Scheme No.7 would allow for such alternatives and was one reason for supporting that scheme. The financing could be done in stages or all at once, but that will be determined later. . 2/13/78--2 u