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Mr. Kelly commented that a thriving downtown was critical to a thriving Eugene. He asked what <br />work was being done on the site adjacent to the federal courthouse site. Ms. Laurence replied <br />that staff initiated work to rezone the property from industrial to commercial and was discussing <br />the nature and timing of an RFP process. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly asked that RFP criteria be provided to the Planning Commission and City Council for <br />review. He asked if the strategy related to helping employers remain and expand downtown by <br />targeted use was supported by existing tools, such as urban renewal, rather than specific <br />initiatives. Mr. Sullivan agreed that the strategy was being implemented with existing tools, such <br />as assisting businesses with financing options. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly said he was least enamored with the Great Street theme as it seemed too grandiose for <br />streets in Eugene and seemed to imply extra fancy street amenities that were not the best use of <br />funds. He said there was community support for doing something significant for the Farmers <br />Market, such as expansion or indoor space, and the council should assist those types of efforts. <br />He urged staff to be aware of any opportunities. <br /> <br />Mr. Papé agreed with Mr. Kelly’s remarks about the impact of a thriving downtown on the rest of <br />Eugene. He asked if rezoning the remaining AgriPac land and EWEB site would be considered <br />by the Planning Commission, then referred to the City Council. Ms. Laurence said the land use <br />actions would be zone changes, which typically did not go through the City Council. Mr. <br />Sullivan noted that the RFP process to dispose of the Agripac property would go through the <br />council and could include a discussion of the underlying zoning and other aspects. <br /> <br />Mr. Papé emphasized the importance of staying ahead of the curve on redevelopment of <br />opportunity sites, including the Eugene Clinic property. He asked what uses were permitted <br />under C-3 zoning. Ms. Laurence replied that a full range of commercial uses as well as <br />residential were permitted. <br /> <br />Mr. Papé asked if the Eugene Clinic site could be included in the urban renewal district. Mr. <br />Sullivan said there was some expansion capacity in the district but it would not take in the entire <br />footprint of the site. <br /> <br />Mr. Papé asked about the timing of RFPs. City Manager Taylor said there would be an <br />opportunity during the work session on City Hall to discuss timing as well as criteria. <br /> <br />Mr. Papé concurred with Mr. Kelly’s comments regarding the Farmers Market. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor said the priority should be on doing things that were important and focusing on <br />something particular rather than on the enormous list of implementation strategies, some of which <br />she was apprehensive about. She said the Farmers Market was important to downtown and the <br />City should immediately cease charging the market for parking spaces. She wanted a focus on <br />helping the Farmers Market and referred to recommendations from an earlier task force. She <br />asked how the City was attempting to facilitate the Conner-Woolley Opus West Broadway <br />development project and whether staff had authorization from the council for its activities. Mr. <br />Sullivan replied that the council had expressed a general interest in trying to assist the project to <br />move forward and staff was doing nothing more than meet periodically with property owners in <br />the West Broadway area to discuss concerns and issues and determine if staff could help address <br />those. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 19 Page <br />3 <br /> <br />