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As any regular driver knows, traffic in Eugene often exceeds the speed limit, particularly on <br />residential streets. The use of properly placed Traffic calming devices can go a long way towards <br />slowing traffic to safe levels. The $30,000 funding level indicated on the unfunded list is totally <br />inadequate to meet the communities current traffic calming needs. When I calculated, for the last CIP, <br />the date of completion of the then listed traffic calming projects, the result was around the year 2300 and <br />that assumed that no new projects were to be added. As the typical project is $75-100,000, a funding <br />level of $100,000 would be more reasonable. <br /> <br /> The Neighborwoods Program is one of Eugene's great successes. In addition to getting street <br />trees planted in a most economical manner it also provides for a positive neighborhood and community <br />building experience. <br /> <br />Street Maintenance Shortfall <br /> <br />While street maintenance is not a capital project, due to a lack of maintenance the condition of too many <br />streets are reaching the point that they will need to be reconstructed. For that reason I propose that the <br />construction of all new road projects as well as all capacity increasing projects be pushed back two <br />years. And that all road fund and general fund dollars allocated to these projects be devoted to street <br />maintenance. Doing so will accomplish a number of things, first and most important it will get streets <br />fixed. Second, it will show that the city is serious about getting its streets fixed and is not just using the <br />repair back log as a reason for new and increased taxes. <br /> <br />Patterson Street Underpass <br /> <br /> This project should be limited to doing site investigation and preliminary design work, leaving <br />construction funding till more accurate cost figures are available. As the proposed route includes <br />relocation would require moving the electrical substation which provides power to the downtown area, <br />the relocation of the steam generator providing heat to many downtown buildings (including Sacred <br />Heart Hospital) and a major capped toxic site I believe the 15 million dollar figure is likely to be low. <br />Additionally while Triad has indicated an interest in the EWEB site, they are yet to sign any form of <br />purchase agreement on the property. And as this project is only defensible if a hospital is constructed on <br />that site. Including this project on the list is premature at best. <br /> <br /> Thank you for your time and careful consideration my comments on this most important of <br />documents. <br /> <br /> Sincerely <br /> <br /> /S/ <br /> <br /> David Hinkley <br /> <br /> L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050228\S0502283.doc <br /> <br /> <br />