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2288 Fairmount Blvd. <br /> Eugene, OR 97403 <br /> February 25, 2004 <br />Dear Members of the City Council, <br /> <br /> We arrived at the February 23rd heating on the University of Oregon East Campus plan <br />with hopeful hearts; we left feeling saddened and discouraged. The neighborhood's support of <br />the huge increase in density that will occur as a result of the East Campus plan is DEPENDENT <br />on the City's requirement that the university fund appropriate traffic mitigation and parking <br />solutions that will guarantee the continued livability of our historic and beautiful neighborhood. <br /> At the February 23 meeting, we were congratulated heartily for the process that resulted <br />in the plan before you. But, let us be perfectly clear: THIS WAS THE UNIVERSITY'S PLAN <br />TO BEGIN WITH and the neighborhood was able to interject some "trimming" around the <br />edges. In most cases this "trimming" concerned matters that followed standards of good planning <br />principles to begin with. The only zoning issue that the neighborhood was passionate about (the <br />continuation of no conditional use permits on the very narrow border orR-1 property, some of <br />which directly abuts private R-1 homes to the south) has been greatly diluted. Please do not <br />confuse the neighborhood compromises on increased density with enthusiasm; much of the <br />neighborhood feels very "raw" from this process and very much marginalized. <br /> The University of Oregon is, like Peace Health was, and any other large business is, a <br />DEVELOPER and should have the responsibilities of a developer. A housing development is <br />cun'ently being built on Moon Mountain in Eugene and BEFORE these lots were sold and one <br />drop of concrete was poured, the developer was required to install proper roads and infrastructure <br />that will accommodate increased traffic. When the arena was under active discussion, the <br />University always put off the discussion of a proper parking structure until "later." The <br />University wants to be able to make plans; however, the neighbors also need to have assurances <br />IN WRITING that our livability standards will not be eroded. "Later" too easily becomes <br />"never." <br /> We respectfully request that the City fund the Agate Street and Fairmount Neighborhood <br />traffic calming study, make the Fairmount Neighborhood traffic issues a top priority (we are the <br />neighborhood facing massive internal development), and REQUIRE the University to implement <br />and pay for traffic mitigation and parking solutions in the Fairmount Neighborhood. <br /> Thank you for your consideration. <br /> <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Dr. Christina M. Holzapfel <br /> Dr. William E. Bradshaw <br /> <br /> City Council Agenda page 283 <br /> <br /> <br />