CC Minutes - 11/10/03 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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was adequate. Mayor Torrey called for council questions and comments. Mr. Kelly expressed his disappointment at the lack of quality standards. He noted that a majority of the council had supported such standards and the motion directing staff to propose standards was passed unanimously. He said he could not support any expansion of MUPTE until standards were developed. He remarked that MUPTE provided an incentive by forgiving property taxes on the building for ten years and it was reasonable to expect those developments to reach a higher standard. He felt it was possible to develop realistic standards and suggested asking local architects for assistance. He quoted from a report by the City of Eugene-University of Oregon Joint Task Force on the West University Neighborhood, which stated as a goal: "Encourage row houses, condominiums, or more upscale apartment complexes that would appeal to longer-term residents and promote owner occupancy." He said that council oversight provided less direction to developers than clearly articulated standards. Mr. Pap~ asked for an explanation of the proposed boundary expansion. Mr. Weinman replied that the proposed boundary was based on the area with the most potential for new housing, which was not in the heart of downtown, but rather within walkable distance of downtown and zoned medium density or higher. Mr. Pap~ asked if the proposed boundary was consistent with the Courthouse District Plan and the work of the North End Scoping Group. Mr. Weinman said housing in the courthouse district was encouraged, and in response the council had adopted a vertical housing zone. He said both the vertical housing zone and MUPTE would be available to potential housing developers. Mr. Pap~ asked if expansion of the MUPTE boundary would encourage more housing than was desired in the courthouse district, which was intended for mixed-use. Mr. Weinman said the type of project would determine whether a developer chose the vertical housing or MUPTE. Mr. Meisner noted a recent newspaper article had highlighted proposed mixed-use development, to include condominiums, on the block bordered by 4th Avenue, 5th Avenue, Lincoln Street, and Charnelton Street. He asked if the owner intended to seek MUPTE. Mr. Weinman said he did not know. Responding to Mr. Papa's concerns about the work of the scoping group, Mr. Meisner said the proposed boundary was consistent with the group's recommendations and was substantially reduced from the original proposal. He indicated he was prepared to support the MUPTE boundary proposal, but agreed with Mr. Kelly's request for quality standards. He said he did not want to prescribe design standards, but did want MUPTE applicants to be warned that developments would be reviewed for quality of design and construc- tion and compatibility with the neighborhood. Ms. Taylor remarked that everyone should pay taxes and if taxes were foregone on any property, there should be a clear and certain benefit. She said there might be sufficient benefit in revitalizing the downtown core to justify MUPTE, but the foregone taxes would not be available for services for others. She noted the project on 4th Avenue referred to by Mr. Meisner was not being developed with MUPTE and said the outlying areas would eventually develop, so they were not being penalized if tax breaks were not given. She said she did not support an expansion of the MUPTE boundary. MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 10, 2003 Page 3 Work Session