02-15-17 City Council Agenda Packet

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up. The municipal court has been overloaded but introduced a ities in the downtown public spaces to make them appeal Community Court program in August that is having some suc-to a broader population and create more vitality. Local cul- tural institutions and organizations can assist with pro- - cers. That was further increased in the summer of 2016 with two Programming should focus on family-friendly activities additional foot patrolmen and police satellite stations in public and encourage triangulation with other uses. Public spaces areas. This police presence helped reduce the loitering and neg- ative behavior somewhat. 2.A Food Destination Many believe the lack of programmed activities, as well as a lack of rules and expectations, lead to a vacuum in Eugens public Food (along with beer and wine) is another core value in Eugene. Food and beverages especially a café and food kioskwere Blocks, Free Speech Plaza, and the planting zones on Broadway consistently mentioned in the surveys and pop-up placemaking feel unoccupied and uncontrolled, becoming gathering places stations as uses they would like to see more of downtown, espe- cially in the Park Blocks or in Kesey Square. for or what kind of behavior is expected, so they are used for When asked to recall an enjoyable time in downtown Eugene, rules, and make expectations clear. many survey respondents mentioned eating at restaurants, out- door cafes, and food carts: It was suggested that more people in the downtownespecially - Eating lunch in the sun at a table in Kesey Square at the food tive behavior and create a better balance. The Saturday Market carts there with my coworkers. Interesting passers-by, plenty of and the Farmers Market displace negative social behavior with people eating. Even with some characters who were homeless or loitering, I felt safe because of the other folks eating lunch and the Park Blocks would help to keep eyes on the street between the downtown workers strolling past. market days. The crowd that actually frequents the restaurants and bars in the downtown are in their 20s to 40s and are gen- Dining outside - wonderful places, nice environment, pleasant erally more accepting. Attracting these young people, such as walkable scale (if you remove the overbearing travelers who the tech community, into the public spaces, especially at night, have privatized the outdoor public spaces). would help get more people in general outside and enjoying downtown. night or night out with friends. My husband and I have enjoyed We heard from stakeholders and survey respondents that pro- walking around, grabbing a bite to eat, and watching a movie. gramming is key to activating downtown public spaces. The We know a lot of people in the area and its always lovely to run City and its partners must produce more events and activ- into people we know while out and about. 22