07/14/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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the refinement plan provides for a long-term transition from residential to industrial use. e Ms. Jones said the transportation element of the refinement plan is the most controversial element because of the need for a secondary access. The only vehicular access to Glenwood is via 22nd Avenue. A secondary emergency access is needed. In addition, there is no bicycle or pedestrian access to the area. She said Revision 4 on page 3 of the June 16 memo indicates that attention will be given to the rail crossing at Henderson Street as a pedestrian-bicycle access. She said the rail crossing was closed by the Public Utility Commissioner (PUC). The owner of Farwest Steel owns property on both sides of the rail crossing and is concerned about pedestrian access to the property. Answering a question Mr. Hansen asked at the work session, Ms. Jones said a pedestrian access approaching the rail crossing by way of Seneca Street would be possible if the PUC approved it. That option or one of several others could satisfy Revision 4. Mayor Obie opened the public hearing. Margaret Marino, 3825 East 21st Avenue, was a member of the planning team and lives in the area. She said she submitted written testimony to the counci 1. She said the Glenwood area did not have a community organization when the Metro Plan was prepared and, therefore, the residents had very little input. She said the refinement plan is a compromise and the major problems involve transportation. They probably can be worked out, in her opinion, as long as access via Henderson Street is an option. e Ms. Marino said the 25 residential properties in Phase I are small and cannot be sold for industrial use easily. She said many owners are elderly and are not well. They.have lived in the neighborhood for a long time. She said the owners purchased their land for residential use and want to sell it for residential use. She wished the Metro Plan designated the Glenwood area for mixed use. She said the owners of residential properties would have more options if some of the area were designated for commercial use. She said the industrial designation is short-sighted. Mike Farthing, 975 Oak, represented Dale and Ruth Fischer, the owners of Farwest Steel. He said the Fischers own about 13 acres in Phase I and about 40 acres in Phase II. He commended the City staff and the planning team for their perseverance in developing the refinement plan. He said it reconciles diverse interests. He recommended its adoption. Mr. Farthing said the Fischers would like Henderson Avenue vacated because it bisects their property in both the Phase I and Phase II areas and the granting of an emergency access will probably be a condition of approval for the vacation. The Fischers will have to decide about accepting the condition. He said economic policies ;n the Metro Plan support the consolidation of the Fi scher property. He said the PUC and Southern Pacific Railroad officials consider the Henderson rail crossing closed permanent 1y and a State law encourages the closing of at-grade rail crossings. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 14, 1986 Page 2