01/06/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

, e e IITogether, we amended the Mayor's inspired minuet--the five-point plan-- creating a small concerto--a Eugene Agenda that included a central city swimming pool, replacement of Federal revenue sharing dollars for capital improvements, and the expansion of the Eugene Public Library--that was along with the original Five Point Plan which was the airport terminal expansion, transportation improvements, a vision and a plan for a vital downtown core area, beautification of the entrances to our city, and completion of our important collaboration with the University of Oregon to move forward with the Riverfront Research Park. IIWe shaped the tune after more than 50 public meetings. We had the help of more than 2,000 citizens--so that we could take to the voters a plan that we believed struck the necessary harmony between our needs, our dreams, and our resources. IIWe all know the concert was not a go. The orchestration, or the timing, or something, was off. lilt was a risk to begin with and we knew that. I'm proud we had the courage to proceed. It was a good experience for the council and for the pUblic to develop the best package with the most reasonable and progressive revenue mechanism we could agree on. IITogether we will work hard, rethinking how to achieve the goals that are critically important to our city's future. But in the meantime, and with limited resources, the council made significant headway on the items included in The Eugene Agenda. Mahlon Sweet Airport IIWe have received two very impressive grants, I think, from the Federal Aviation Administration totaling about $4 million. They are for the purposes of constructing a new tower and expanding the airport terminal. We will, through those grants, be able to accomplish much more passenger air traffic and cargo traffic. It is also important to note that, of course, we have two new airlines, PSA and American airlines, which are here servicing this area and, also, we have been designated as a temporary Customs station which is the forerunner to a full Foreign Trade Zone. These successes add up to a promising opportunity for existing manufacturers and as a lure to corporations seeking to site a plant some place in Oregon. Transportation "In 1985, voters of Eugene passed a ballot measure which gave approval to the three-phased expansion and extension of 6th and 7th avenues. The first phase of that project is completed and it was done efficiently and well. There were moments, however, during the height of construction when I thought some drivers downtown, in fact, I was among them, almost lost their minds through the detours, clogged arterials, dust, and heat. But, thank heavens, that is behind us now and we will go forward. Phases two and three are on the drawing boards, and they are going to be brought to the voters for a second voter approval early this year. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 6, 1986 Page 3