Item 3: Exchange of Real Property Interests on Franklin Boulevard

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access to the site. Exhibit A is an aerial that illustrates the City parcel and frontage on the highway. The two westbound lanes closest to the property are the off ramp of northbound I-5 which is under ODOT jurisdiction. Consistent with the access management standards in ODOT’s Highway Management Plan and Division 51 of the Oregon Administrative Rules pertaining to access control, ODOT will not permit a new access approach onto this section of highway/freeway ramp. The jurisdictional transfer from ODOT to the City of Eugene of a portion of Franklin Boulevard/Highway 99 does not include this segment. The transfer area begins on the west side of the Walnut Street intersection and continues westerly. ODOT will retain the intersection and the area east of the intersection as it involves the I-5 off ramp. It should further be noted that even if there was an access constructed to this site, it would only be accessible from the off ramp lanes. The main westbound traffic movement from Springfield are the next two lanes to the south of the off ramp and the traffic in those lanes could not make a legal or safe turn to cross the off ramp lanes. The eastbound traffic movement also would not be permitted to cross the four westbound lanes or the existing median between the east and westbound lanes. The appraised market value of the easement rights of the Tedron property were diminished significantly because most of this area is encumbered by the existing Millrace. As such, the City and the property owners agreed upon the proposed cash difference of $143,300, or about $108,300 more than the initial appraisal of $35,000 with the differential to be paid to the City by Tedron Properties. The proposed settlement is based upon an average unit value of the entire Millrace easement area and the northern- most 2,000 square feet of the city parcel (very steep slope) of $.75 per square foot, while the majority of the City parcel which is at street grade is valued at $15.00 per square foot. Public Works staff has further reviewed the proposed exchange of property rights with Planning and Development staff with regard to desired development plans in the area, the Walnut Station mixed-use study, and related plans for possible boulevard improvements, extension the pedestrian/bicycle corridor, and control and maintenance of the Millrace, as well as its connectivity to existing City owned parks and open space lands immediately east of the subject area and adjacent to the river. While these future improvements are still under study and subject to further design input, it appears obtaining control of the Millrace would be advantageous. The proposed easement will convey to the City all rights of possession to the subject area including, but not limited to, public bicycle/pedestrian access, maintenance of the Millrace, removal or planting of trees and vegetation, or other improvements as deemed appropriate by the City. Exhibit B illustrates a typical cross section of the Millrace area to be conveyed to the City. This shows the approximate distances beginning from the edge of the existing motel parking lot (left side of the exhibit), the distance to the edge of the Millrace, the distance from the Millrace to the railroad tracks, and from the railroad tracks to the river. The current Transplan identifies a future bike path in the area between the Millrace and the railroad. The 1974 Eugene Bikeways Master Plan included a cross section of the area showing the bike path being placed between the railroad tracks and the river. Either location will require the City to negotiate with the railroad for an easement to place the bike path on railroad property. L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M061023\S0610233.doc