City Council Newsletter - 11/15/07

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developmental opportunities for probationary firefighters and firefighters seeking promotion to Engineer or Company Officer. Although the donated structure is on a large lot and is somewhat isolated from nearby structures, neighbors have been notified of the upcoming exercise and the department is taking steps to see that their concerns are addressed satisfactorily. The burn is scheduled to begin at approximately 9 a.m. and be completed by approximately 1 p.m. Fire officials do not anticipate any need for traffic control. For more information, please contact Training Chief Lance Lighty at 682-7131. New Monroe-Friendly Bikeway Links North and South Eugene Eugene has a new north-south bike route with the substantial completion of the Monroe-Friendly bikeway project. The bikeway runs from the West Bank Trail along the Willamette River at Owen Rose Garden down Monroe th Street to 13 Avenue, past the east side of the Lane County Fairgrounds, and then up Friendly th Street to 28 Avenue. More than 70 pavement markers were placed on the street surfaces to guide cyclists and remind riders and drivers that the streets are designated for shared use. A cyclist rides past the newly realigned intersection of Monroe Street and Blair Blvd., Informative signs also have been guided by a white reflective pavement marker. Other bikeway elements include destination posted at intersecting bike paths th signage and inlaid decorative tiles at 8 and Monroe. and major cycling routes. Another feature of the $440,000 bikeway project was the realignment of Monroe Street and Blair th Boulevard to create a safer intersection in the area of 8 Avenue. Earlier this summer, two th “speed tables” were constructed on Monroe Street between Eighth and 13 avenues, slowing down traffic to further increase safety. The neighborhood and local businesses also got a chance to make some th improvements, especially in new public spaces at 8 and Monroe. Eleven brick-bordered art tiles were embedded in the new sidewalk, and additional landscaping will be added soon through a neighborhood matching grant. John Bonham, the project manager, said he was pleased with the quality of work done by the contractor and subcontractors. He also expressed thanks to travelers and local business owners for being patient th while the intersections around 8 and Monroe were closed for construction. Lee Shoemaker, the City’s bicycling and pedestrian coordinator, said the value of the new bikeway will grow as more cyclists realize that the improved route is in place. “A bicycle-friendly route between south Eugene and the Willamette River has been part of Eugene’s bike plan for almost 30 years,” Shoemaker said. “It’s great that we were able to line up state and local funding to make this vision a reality.” Cyclists who have ideas for fine- tuning the route, for example, by adding more markers, are encouraged to contact Shoemaker at 682- 5471. For more information about the bikeway project, contact John Bonham at 682-5300. Infill Compatibility Standards and Opportunity Siting Task Teams Begin Meeting Infill Compatibility Standards and Opportunity Siting are high- priority City Council projects stemming from Eugene’s Growth Management Policies. Together, the projects aim to find better ways of balancing residential growth with preservation of neighborhood character. On October 8, the Planning Division hosted a public workshop on infill and residential growth issues that drew more than 110 participants. At the workshop, City staff presented an update on the Infill Compatibility Standards and Opportunity Siting projects, speakers from the Planning Commission, Neighborhood Leaders Council, and development community made comments, and attendees EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 November 15, 2007