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Emerald Empire Council On Aging <br /> Money Management Program <br /> 996 Jefferson Street, Eugene, OR 97402 <br /> (541) 342-1881 <br /> Fax (541) 342-1882 <br /> <br />October 22, 2004 <br /> <br />Dear Members of the Planning Commission: Gl'IV, 0F <br /> PDk~'~.~iN G <br /> <br />You are currently reviewing a proposal to re-zone the Kaufman House property. A challenge has <br />been issued by the Jefferson Westside Neighbors against two specific potential uses of the Kaufman <br />Senior Center under the new Special Area Zone. These uses are 'Administrative, General and <br />Professional Office' and 'Scientific and Educational Research Center'. <br /> <br />The challenge states that these potential uses are not necessary for the continued operation of the <br />building as a Senior Center, but I disagree. It is vitally important that EECA has the maximum <br />flexibility under the new regulations in order to form partnerships with both individuals and <br />organizations. These partnerships will contribute to the financial well being of the center and make it <br />possible for us to continue to operate. We have not had this flexibility in the past and were unable to <br />form partnerships with some very worthwhile organizations, such as the Literacy Council. This <br />partnership would have benefited the organization, the community, and us, but was impossible to <br />implement with our prior regulations under the existing conditional use permit, which only allowed <br />uses directly related to senior services. <br /> <br /> We have also been unable to write for grants that fall beyond the bounds of our very narrow scope. <br /> In order to make the center thrive we need to widen the possibilities as much as possible, while <br /> imposing as few restrictions as is prudent. <br /> <br /> EECA and the City of Eugene have worked closely together over the past two years on a plan to keep <br /> the Center operating. This plan includes the zone change and additional community uses. <br /> I live and work in the Jefferson Westside Neighborhood and I am asking the planning commission to <br /> accept the Historic Kaufman House Special Area Zone as written and give the Kaufman Center a <br /> fighting chance to succeed. <br /> <br /> Thank you, <br /> <br /> Program Coordinator <br /> EECA Money Management Program <br /> <br /> <br />