Item B: Santa Clara Park Update - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The land swap proposal was presented to the council at a November 24, 2003, work session, following a preliminary executive session. In July 2004, the council approved a joint request from the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division and the property owners to initiate a Metro Plan amendment. The council requested appraisals of the two subject properties at a February 9, 2005, work session. Also, following a question from Councilor Kelly, Parks and Open Space staff provided a response outlining an initial evaluation of the alternative proposals presented by the Santa Clara Community Organization. This council assignment was provided to the council in its May 5 council packet. Financial/Resource Considerations Financial resources for the Santa Clara Community Park include the 1998 Parks and Open Space bond measure for land acquisition and Parks System Development Charge funding for park development. Council Goals/Priorities Acquisition of parkland can be related to a number of City Council goals, including sustainable community development, healthy natural and built environment, and providing accessible and thriving cultural and recreational opportunities. Timing Issues The current agreement between the City and the McDougals expires on July 1, 2005. Staff has received a letter from the McDougals' representative Mike Evans indicating that while they support the project, they recognize that the level of concern raised by area residents presents a challenge and that they intend to let the agreement lapse unless substantial progress can be made in the near future. A copy of this letter is provided as Attachment C. RELATED CITY POLICIES Related City policy documents include the 1998 Parks and Open Space bond measure, the 1989 Eugene Parks and Recreation Plan, the 2004 Draft Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan and the 1998 Growth Management Study. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council may wish to consider the following options: 1. Proceeding with the development of findings for the Metro Plan Amendment land use process, as needed to acquire land for a community park in Santa Clara and to obtain Ridgeline open space in the Laurel Hill Valley. 2. Table the land swap/UGB expansion question. Continue discussions with the community to identify priorities for community parkland in Santa Clara as identified within the Draft Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan. 3. Abandon the land swap proposal. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends proceeding with the development of findings for the Metro Plan amendment, which will allow the planning and analysis to prepare findings and will include addressing the concerns raised by the public to date. This level of analysis is required as part of a Metro Plan amendment process. L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050518\S050518B.doc