Item B: Incompatible Infill (19th and Alder)

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Staff’s discussions with the developer indicate that he is evaluating design options to address some of the concerns that have been raised. Specifically, the design team is evaluating reduced building height by lowering ceiling heights and/or reducing the number or size of units. As mentioned above, reducing the number of units would require significant design changes regarding open space; reducing the size of units would also require significant changes to the unit layout and overall building design. With regard to parking, the developer indicates that the expense of underground parking is the main reason for providing the minimum number of spaces required. RELATED CITY POLICIES The adopted Growth Management Policies are relevant to the decision of how to approach this issue. Numerous policies encourage residential infill and increased density, while maintaining neighborhood character. The following policies are particularly relevant. Policy 1: Support the existing Eugene Urban Growth Boundary by taking actions to increase density and use existing vacant land and under-used land within the boundary more efficiently. Policy 6: Increase density of new housing while maintaining the character and livability of individual neighborhoods. Policy 9: Mitigate the impacts of new and/or higher density housing, in-fill, and redevelopment on neighborhoods through design standards, open space and housing maintenance programs, and continuing historic preservation and neighborhood planning programs. COUNCIL OPTIONS 1.Direct staff to work with neighborhood residents on long term city-wide solutions for compatible infill through the Infill Compatibility Standards process. th 2.Direct staff to return to council with compatibility measures in the 19 Avenue area separate from the Infill Compatibility Standards process: th a.Overlay zone limiting building height along the north side of 19 or requiring a more extensive height transition between zones; b.Code amendment increasing minimum off-street parking spaces required for uses adjacent to Residential Parking Permit areas, within a certain distance of the university, or based on number of bedrooms rather than units; As part of this option, provide specific direction to the Planning Division for reprioritization of work program to accommodate the additional work tasks. 3.Direct staff to continue to work with the developer to encourage consideration of the neighborhoods’ expressed concerns. 4.Direct staff to draft findings in support of a moratorium for this development, per ORS 197.520(1). CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends Options 1 and 3. The Infill Compatibility Standards process is the most appropriate venue for developing compatibility measures in a coordinated and equitable manner. In addition, staff recommends continuing to work as a liaison between the neighbors and the developer toward mutually agreeable solutions. F:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M080310\S080310B.doc