07/09/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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II. WEST EUGENE PARKWAY (6th/7th Extension) SUPPLEMENTAL DEIS (memo, background information distributed) - City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the item. Dave Reinhard of the Public Works Department gave the staff report. He introduced Eb Engelman of the State Highway Division of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Mr. Reinhard said in December 1985 the City Council recommended Alternative 1 as the alignment for the West Eugene Parkway although the councilors were concerned about the impacts of the alignment. Because of the concerns, the Federal Highway Administration and the State Highway Division examined the alignments again and produced a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) which will be the subject of a public hearing on July 15, 1986. Mr. Reinhard reviewed the five alternative alignments in the SDEIS. He said the State staff decided that Alternatives 1 elevated and la elevated and the 5th/7th Couplet would be too costly for the benefits derived. He distributed copies of his July 9, 1986, memo to the Mayor and City Council titled "Comparison of Alternative Routes, West Eugene Parkway.1I He said the State staff forwarded Alternatives 1 and la at-grade for public comment. He said the staff ma il ed information about the SOEIS to interested parties and held a drop-in information session on June 26 at the Western Sizzlin' Restaurant which was attended by about 80 people. Mr. Reinhard reviewed the alignments and their impacts. He said Alternative 1 at-grade would displace 12 business and Alternative la at- e grade would displace 5 businesses. Answering a question from Mr. Rutan, Mr. Reinhard said the alignment of Alternative la at-grade might be moved a little north to lessen the impact on Furrow's warehouse. He said representatives of National Fire Fighter Corporat i on oppose the a 1 i gnment but the property is owned by the Willamette Valley Company. He said Willamette Valley Company officials have not commented on the alignment. The owners of the property where Chuck's GMC is located are concerned about the time it will take for the State to buy the property if the route is approved. However, sometimes right-of-way acquisition can be expedited. Mr. Reinhard said some business people in the area might favor Alternative la elevated but others are pleased with the at-grade alignment. He said Alternative 1a presents some design problems. He suggested that the measure be presented to the voters in such a way that either the elevated or at-grade alignment can be implemented. He said either Alternative 1a elevated or at-grade preserve the industrial area between Conger and McKinley streets and Fifth and Eleventh avenues. Replying to questions from Mr. Holmer, Public Works Director Christine Andersen said the design of the project can mitigate some problems of property owners if the ballot measure is flexible. Elevating the roadway ~- MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 9, 1986 Page 4