Item 2G: Res.on LID/West Univ. - Laserfiche WebLink

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'V~est University Task Force Final Report June 2003 The WUN is Eugene's densest residential neighborhood and has a lot of foot and bicycle traffic. Unfortunately, the area also suffers from I~~l~md overgrown vegetatiOn. .The task force noted that overgrown hedges and trees in combination with ill-maintained light fixtures increase the perception that the WUN is not safe. I~t~t~g~so creates an environment of anonymity, which is more conducive to vandalism and criminal activities. The task force is interested in ~'~o improve the visibility and perception of safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The security lighting program offered tlu'ough EWEB may be a lower cost option for property and business owners to increase lighting in the area. 4, Consistent/~nhanced Police Presence Relative to other neighborhoods, the WUN area has higher than average crime rates, particularly for arson, robbery, bike theft, burglaries and liquor violations. Additionally, residents voiced concern about transients who are involved in public drinking and aggressive panhandling. On several occasions, residents, and business owners questioned if the successful enforcement measures in place along 13t~ Avenue have resulted in, moving problem behaviors into the residential section oftha WUN. Increased police presence in the neighborhood would deter erimi~al behavior and address some of the nuisance behaviors that make residents feel unsafe. This recommendation includes a wide range ofproaedve policing strategies from a dedicated police patrol to focused police presence. It is felt'that consistent assignment of the. same officer(s) to the area would improve relationships between police and residents and help police better identify chronic violators and nuisance properties. 5,. Promote Longer Term Residency The task force believes that providing economic incentives for improving the quality of the housing stock would attract both long=term residents and create a different mixture of" neighbors. Further, more long-term residents would create a greater sense of stability and investment in the neighborhood. Cun'ently, owner-occupants comprise two percent of the population in the West University Neighborhood. The majority of renters are a transient population, often staying in one residence for less than six months. The Multiple Unit Property Tax Exemption (MU~TE) is a tool that can provide a ten-year property tax exemption for new housing..Such housing might include rowhonses, condominiums or more upscale apartment complexes that would appeal to longer term residents and promOte owner occupancy. The low income rehabilitation loan program is another option to provide financial assistance to property owners for needed housing improvements. The Task Force recommends that these and other options be considered for the neighborhood. 6, Out-going Freshman Orientation Most University of Oregon freshman move off-campus al~er their first year in the residence hails. Due to the pricing and availability of h.onsing in the West University Neighborhood, many move to this area. Providing an orientation for freshmen at the end of the school year about basic tenant fights and responsibilities, off'Campus behavior issues and legal culpability would provide a strong foundation for newly independent residents. The task force recommends that such University-community-sponsored Workshops be strongly encouraged for outgoing freshmen. These workshops would also provide an opportunity for