Item 4 - PH on River Ave.LID - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

noted that one more property owner, the owner of the Riviera Shopping Center, had submitted a letter of remonstrance since the others had been submitted, for a total of 32 such letters. He underscored that the majority of the people that would be required to participate in the LID were opposed to it. Tim Smith, 2664 Kincaid Street, encouraged the City Council to adopt the resolution in opposition to Ballot Measure 36, which sought to amend the constitution to prevent same-sex marriages. He acknowledged that it was reasonable for people to have a difference of opinion on a variety of issues including marriage, but differences of opinion did not belong in the State Constitution. He noted that he and his partner of 13 years had been the first to register for domestic unions and one of the fkst couples to be married under the aegis of a marriage license from Multnomah County. He said, should this measure pass, his legal marriage along with those of approximately 3,000 other couples may well be rescinded. He asked why the State would want to do that. He added that he and his partner had found Eugene to be a tolerant, friendly, and welcoming place. He suggested that approval of the resolution to oppose the constitutional amendment would complement the image of Eugene as a welcoming and tolerant place. Zachary Vishanoff, Patterson Street, suggested those present type "Congress of the New Urbanism" into a search engine and then type the word "definition." He said it would indicate that full connectivity, implementation of context-sensitive design, among others were part of the de£mition. He asserted it was part of "smart growth" and this was endorsed by the United Nations. He reiterated past concerns about the principles underlying the concept of "smart growth." He suggested the council consult the web site "Take Back Wisconsin" for further information. He said otherwise Eugene would become "Portlandized." Mr. Vishanoff also expressed concern about homeland security research and nanotechnology research. He asserted that the University of Oregon wanted to build a facility near the riverfront. He said it was a controversial thing to do and that the University should hold public hearings and should convene a nanotechnology advisory committee. Mayor Torrey closed the Public Forum and called for council comments. Councilor Bettman thanked those who testified. She requested information on the status of the answers to the questions resulting from the neighborhood meeting at Crest Drive. City Manager Dennis Taylor responded that the information had not yet been compiled. Councilor Bettman encouraged staff to get the information out as soon as possible. She also noted the request that the agenda be provided a week in advance. City Manager Taylor stated that he would ensure that it would be made available one week prior to the next meeting. Councilor Bettman averred the neighbors should have written assurance that once a design that everyone agreed upon was determined, it would be accurately reflected in the end result. She applauded the efforts of the neighborhood group to work on the livability of their neighborhood. She suggested that cooperating with them would expedite the process. Councilor Kelly thanked everyone who came before the council and testified. He echoed Councilor Bettman's comments regarding the Crest Drive neighborhood. Councilor Taylor congratulated the Crest Drive/Friendly Street/Storey Boulevard neighborhood residents for their consistent advocacy. She wondered why it took so long to provide the answers to questions that were asked at the neighborhood meeting. MINUTES--Eugene City Council September ! 3, 2004 Page 3 Regular Session River Avenue Exhibit C