04/14/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Mr. Gader1und said he will suffer if the two-way traffic is extended to 20th Avenue. He said his parking will be reduced, it will be dangerous for him to get in and out of his driveway, and his children will not be able to cross the street. If he has to suffer, he said he would like it to be for a good reason, and he has not heard much testimony that supports the hope that the conversion will increase downtown business. Mr. Gader1und said he appreciated the staff's work and the consideration the downtown and planning commissioners gave to the testimony opposing the conver- sion. Sue Schreiber, 25 McDonald Court, represented the Bicycle Committee. She said the commlttee does not recommend approval of the conversion until the Central Area Transportation Study is completed and until solutions have been found to the bicycle and pedestrian crossing problems at 12th and 15th avenues. Sally Weston, 2595 Highland Drive, represented the League of Women Voters. She said the proposal does not provide adequately for pedestrian and bicycle crossings, particularly at 12th avenue. She said converting Wi11amette Street to two-way traffic from 11th to 13th avenues is better than converting it to two-way traffic all the way to 20th Avenue. She recommended a balanced transportation plan. Gail Newton, 1849 Wi11amette, said she has adequate parking for her building, but there is not enough parking for the Wiper Building at 19th Avenue and Wi11amette even with the existing on-street parking. She said people in that building use her parking lot. She said additional parking problems will be created if the on-street parking is removed for two-way traffic. Bob Burry, 6 West 17th Avenue, complimented the staff members who, he said, listened to comments from affected parties on several occasions and were courteous and helpful. He said he does not oppose the conversion, and supports making Willamette Street a corridor to the downtown, but he is concerned about the loss of parking and access and safety problems. He said the conversion from 11th to 13th is a workable compromise. Mr. Burry said neither the Jefferson nor the West University Neighbors had an opportunity to comment after the Downtown and Planning Commissions' public hearing, and it seemed the downtown commissioners had specific interests. He suggested the Planning Commission use the Jefferson and West University neighborhood organizations in an advisory capacity when the conversion from 13th to 20th avenues is considered. Laura Lardinois, 22 West 17th Avenue, said she often bikes downtown but, lilt is scary downtown.1I She prefers to go her shopping elsewhere. She said the downtown is accessible by automobile and there is sufficient parking; there- fore, she opposed the conversion to two-way traffic. Jerry Behney, 1744 Willamette, said loss of parking in front of his store would cut the walk-in traffic in half. He said he is concerned about the crossings at 15th and 16th avenues and the $80,000 to $100,000 cost of MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 14, 1986 Page 4