Item 3A - Minutes Approval - Laserfiche WebLink

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D. Adoption of Resolution 4815 Approving a Multiple-Unit Property Tax Exemption for Residential Property Located at 1375 Olive Street, Eugene, Oregon (1375 Olive, LLC) E. Adoption of Resolution 4816 Approving a Multiple-Unit Property Tax Exemption for Residential Property Located at 979 Patterson Street, Eugene, Oregon (Arthur C. Carmichael, Jr. And Larry Von Klein) Councilor Bettman, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved approval of thc Consent Calendar. Councilor Taylor pulled items D and E. Roll call vote; the motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the exceptions of items D and E passed unanimously, 8:0. Mayor Torrey called for discussion on Item D. Councilor Taylor opined it was a wonderful plan for a nice building, adding that she also liked the partners in the development. However, she averred the development did not provide sufficient benefit to the downtown area to grant the tax exemption because of its location at the periphery. She also did not understand how the commercial space would be beneficial. She felt there was too much vacant commercial property in the downtown area to justify increasing retail space. She expressed concern, as well, that people purchasing the condominiums would move from other properties at which they were paying property taxes and, thus, would cause a loss of property tax income. Councilor Taylor noted that one argument given in favor of the MUPTE for the development was the "walkability" in the area, e.g. one could walk home from the Hult Center. She did not think citizens would walk over seven blocks through the downtown area late at night. Councilor Taylor echoed the comments of Mr. Wolfe. She wondered how many people decided not to upgrade because they could not afford the taxes. She thought it would be unfair to build the project with a tax exemption. Councilor Bettman, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved approval of Resolution 4815 approving a Multiple-Unit Property Tax Exemption for residential property located at 1375 Olive Street. Councilor Bettman indicated she supported approval of this MUPTE. However, she did not support the second proposal for a MUPTE couched in Item E. She felt the downtown development provided a demonstrable benefit for the area as it provided opportunities for downtown home ownership. She opined that even with the subsidy, the developers were taking on a risk. She commended Jean Tate for her vision. Councilor Kelly asked if the motion was not already on the table by virtue of being part of the Consent Calendar. City Attorney Glenn Klein affirmed that it was. Councilor Kelly stated that the commercial space, regardless of its merits, would not receive a tax exemption. Regarding comments that suggested the City would lose property tax revenue from the people who choose to reside in the condominiums, he clarified that unless their previous dwellings were razed MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 22, 2004 Page 6 Regular Meeting