Item A: I-5 Willamette Bridge Replacement Project

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The Eugene, Springfield and Lane County Planning Commissions held a joint public hearing on April 29, 2008, to consider the requested Metro Plan amendment and refinement plan amendment. Aside from the applicant’s party, there were two other people who spoke; one spoke as neutral to the proposal and one spoke against it. Written testimony was received (Attachment E) from the applicant. Per the request of those testifying, the Planning Commissions also left the public record open. Evidence submitted during the open record period is also attached for reference (Attachment E). On June 3, 2008, the Planning Commissions met for joint deliberations on the Metro Plan amendment request. All three Planning Commissions voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Metro Plan amendment, including the exception to Statewide Planning Goal 15. On the same night, the Eugene Planning Commission deliberated on the refinement plan amendment request and unanimously voted to recommend approval. The Planning Commission’s findings and recommendations are attached to this AIS as Exhibit A of Attachment A for the Metro Plan amendment, and Exhibits A and B of Attachment B for the refinement plan amendment. The proposed Metro Plan and refinement plan amendments are being reviewed concurrently. Regarding process, the Metro Plan and refinement plan amendments requests must follow the quasi-judicial procedures. New evidence will be allowed at the public hearing. Since the close of the joint Planning Commission record, only one item of testimony has been received. This item was submitted to staff at the Planning Commission deliberations but was not considered by the Planning Commissions (Attachment C). Approval of a plan amendment requires the City to adopt an ordinance. Approval of a three- jurisdictional Metro Plan amendment requires the jurisdictions to adopt identical decisions. To comply with the Charter requirements for ordinances, a draft ordinance approving the requested Metro Plan amendments has been prepared and is attached for your reference (Attachment A). Because the refinement plan amendment is a Eugene decision only, a separate draft ordinance approving the requested refinement plan amendments has also been prepared and is attached for reference (Attachment B). The Planning Commission’s findings of approval, which provide a detailed analysis of the proposal’s compliance with applicable approval criteria, are attached to each draft ordinance as Exhibit A (Metro Plan findings) and Exhibit B (refinement plan findings). These are identified as general findings so that the council can amend or adopt as it determines necessary. This ordinance, with any directed changes, will be utilized in the event that the City Council makes positive findings that the proposed amendments comply with the applicable approval criteria. RELATED CITY POLICIES Eugene Code requires that a Metro Plan amendment and refinement plan amendment be consistent with the Metro Plan, the applicable refinement plans, as well as the Statewide Planning Goals. The Metro Plan, Willakenzie Area Plan, Laurel Hill Plan, River Front Park Study, and TransPlan policies applicable to this request are addressed in the Planning Commission’s findings and recommendation (Exhibit A of Attachment A and Exhibits A and B of Attachment B). COUNCIL OPTIONS This is scheduled for a public hearing only. At the time of deliberations and action, the City Council may consider the following options: Z:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M080624\S080624A.doc