09/10/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. McKinley said design options were open to modification. He rev i ewed comments that had been received. He said no consensus had been reached, with e a range of comments submitted. Mr. McKinley said most comments submitted had opposed traffic on Willamette Street. He said suggestions that had been offered instead of traffic included a better tenant mix and enhanced security. Those in favor of traffic had cited needs for better access and visibility. Mr. McKinley said additional comments had indicated that rest rooms were needed, while others had indicated both support for theater on the mall and feelings that other theater locations were available. He said suggestions had included opening Olive Street, providing space for bicycles, using flexible design like options three and four, and recognizing the impact of two-way traffic on the "Gut." Mr. McKinley said he had met with owners and managers of businesses between 8th and 10th Avenues, but no clear consensus had emerged there. He sa i d comments in favor of traffic had concerned improved access, on-street parking, and better visibility. Those opposed again had suggested improving tenant mix or making improvements similar to option two. He said most business representatives had stated that customers included largely downtown employees. He also noted that many comments had suggested attempting to minimize disruption during construction. Mr. McKinley reported that he had met with representatives of the group that provided theater on the mall, and they had suggested reorienting the stage, removing the fountain, and placing bleachers in the center of the plaza, with rest rooms at corners. Mr. McKinley added that he had not heard much support for the central fountain. e Staff said the Downtown Commission and Lane Transit District would hold a meeting on September 23. B. Proposed Expansion of Urban Renewal District Mr. Byrne reviewed the proposed expansion of the Urban Renewal District. He said State law allowed expansion of a district by 20 percent of original area. He said staff had analyzed all property surrounding the existing district, and he showed a map illustrating the ratio of the value of land to the value of improvements on the land. He said the ratio in the central area was about five times that in the outer area. Mr. Byrne said the area proposed for inclusion in the district was characterized by vacant and underdeveloped property with building conditions assessed as "poor." He said thirty-two owners were involved, fi ve of whom were non-local. He said notices had been sent to every property owner and business in the area, in addition to individual contacts by staff and public meetings held with the Downtown Commission. Mr. Byrne said the prDposed area would expand the district by 16 percent, with the rema i nder to be he 1 d for future deve 1 opment. He said expansion was concentrated around previous heavy public investments. Ms. Ehrman asked about inclusion of a new building in the area, and Mr. Byrne responded that e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 10, 1986 Page 5