06/18/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Wooten said she supports Phase 1 in general, but she is concerned about e the tree thinning which may result in a very bleak appearance in the winter. She also is concerned because there is no comprehensive plan for the whole mall. She agreed with Ms. Schue that Phase 2 should not be approved now. Ms. Wooten said she would approve removal of the postal station and the overhangs. She would like an analysis of the need to remove the rest rooms and firm estimates of the cost of relocating them before approving Phase 2. She said merchant participation in the revitalization of the mall is important. She said no commitments to improve their properties were received from merchants on the south side of Broadway between Olive and Charnel ton which may be the most unappealing part of the mall. She said people are beginning to appreciate the mall and its park-like atmosphere should not be eliminated entirely. She said the mall is important in Eugene's attempts to encourage destination point activities. Ms. Bascom said the tree trimming will enhance the appearance of the trees. She said the trees that are being planted will be attractive in the winter and appropriate for hanging lights. Answering her question, Ms. Bohman said the Downtown Commission considered recommending that both phases be completed this year but did not do so. Ms. Bascom said rest rooms are important but they do not seem appropriate in the middle of the mall and the postal station should be inside a building. She would like to complete both phases this summer if possible. Ms. Ehrman said she shared Mr. Holmer's concerns about a partnership with the private sector. She said she will approve the new street lights because she e would like to encourage longer retail operating hours. She favored decreasing the size of the playground and the overhangs. She asked staff to monitor the cost of managing the moveable furniture. She does not favor umbrellas. She said the downtown is not only a retail area and the Downtown Plan recognizes that. She said it is Eugene's City Center. She said she favors approving Phase 1, but she needs more information about moving the rest rooms. She said the council should not avoid discussion of the opening of Willamette Street from 8th to 10th avenues which she does not favor. She said the Downtown Commission should get the opinions of people who use the mall about opening Wil1amette Street. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to adopt Phase 1 (cost: $342,000) of the Broadway Improvement Project. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, to amend the motion to include removal of the postal station and unnecessary overhangs or obstructions surrounding it. Mayor Obie suggested the council authorize the Downtown Commission to approve the removal of the rest rooms, but the councilors did not accept his recommendation. The amendment carried unanimously, 8:0. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to amend the motion to direct the Downtown Commission and the staff to present to the - council a proposal which addresses the issues involved in the removal of the existing rest rooms and a plan to appropriately replace them as soon as possible. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 18, 1986 Page 6 --- - -