Ordinance No. 20564 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the Hult Center does not create an inviting and safe place for gathering before or after events, and does not provide a positive economic impact for nearby users. The parks and plazas in the Plan Area have the potential to add to the livability and the economic vitality of the entire downtown. As downtown density increases, these areas could provide much needed urban open spaces to support the growing downtown neighborhood, as well as an inviting destination for the entire community. At present, they are little used outside of programmed events, and need improvement to enhance function, accessibility, attractiveness, and identity. Blighted conditions in these areas include barren spaces with broken and deteriorated pedestrian open areas and walkways, lack of amenities such as seating or water and areas that do not meet accessibility standards. The expenditure of urban renewal funds for these parks and plazas will improve or remove blighted conditions, attract positive activity downtown, stimulate economic development, promote downtown revitalization, provide a healthier and safer place for residents to congregate, and enhance the value of the Plan Area as a whole. 2) High -Speed Fiber: The 2013 City of Eugene Broadband Strategic Plan identified the development of a downtown fiber network as a strategic goal. After completion of the Strategic Plan, City staff worked with LCOG and EWEB on a successful pilot project, to test the feasibility of implementing a municipally owned downtown network. The City, EWEB, and LCOG identified a workable method to connect buildings by running fiber optics cables through existing electrical conduit. The Plan Area has high-speed fiber in several buildings as a result of the pilot project that was completed in 2016. The remainder of the Plan Area has limited telecommunications service and access to internet service providers. In addition, internet service providers in Eugene experience a constrained supply of access to the regional internet exchange points resulting in slower connection speeds and higher costs relative to larger cities. Constructing telecommunications infrastructure would provide a publicly owned and/or operated connection from a local internet connection point to large, regional internet exchanges that could lower the telecommunications operating costs for the City, other public agencies, school districts, and internet service providers. Constructing a municipally owned fiber network will serve and benefit the Plan Area because: (1) existing and new businesses benefiting from the high speed and competitive market will grow employment and attract new investments to the Plan Area; (2) residents will have an added benefit for living within the Plan Area; and (3) public agencies within the Plan Area will have reduced costs and increased telecommunications speed, including the City, Lane Community College, Lane County, and LCOG. The 4J and Bethel school districts (outside the Plan Area) will also benefit. As the number of businesses and opportunities for investment increases, existing businesses and development will also benefit, including restaurants, retail and housing, Report on the 2016 Amendment 11