10/08/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Replying to a question from Mr. Hansen, Ms. Decker said the Downtown Commission recommended that the term "mallll not be used to i dent ify the e downtown because people outside the community do not understand what the IImallll is. Ms. Ehrman said "downtownll seems to apply to a small town and she does not favor its use for Eugene. Mr. Hansen wondered about the purpose of signs and Ms. Decker responded that the purpose is to provide directions to hotels, office buildings, and some retail establishments. Ms. Bascom added that signs provide directions to entertainment in cultural centers. Mr. Hansen said IIcity centerll seems more sophisticated than IIdowntown" but there should be reasons for choosing whichever term is used. Mr. Holmer said he prefers "downtown.1I Ms. Decker said the change on page 5 of the staff notes concerning references in the study to Highway 99 North respond to concerns of Mr. Miller. The change clearly identifies Highway 99 as the entrance which is most in need of improvement. Mr. Miller said Highway 99 was not identified in the study as a "preferred route" but it needs improvement very much. He said he would like to change the term "preferred route" to IIprimary entrance corridor." Mr. Ho 1 mer agreed with Mr. Mill er and added that Coburg Road was not e identified in the study as an entrance corridor. He said many people enter the downtown on Coburg Road across the Ferry Street Bridge. Responding to his question, Ms. Decker said Interstate 5, Airport Road, and West 11th Avenue were identified as the main routes people use to enter the city. She said some routes are used mostly by residents. She discussed how the "preferred routesll in the study were chosen. Replying to a question from Ms. Schue, Ms. Decker said Franklin Boulevard was designated a IIpreferred routell in the study. Mr. Miller said there is a difference in beautifying the existing road system and identifying corridors which visitors should use. Ms. Decker said the goals in the study indicate both aims. Mr. Miller said he cannot support the "preferred route" term but he could support a document which identifies IIprimary routesll and includes Highway 99 North and the Ferry Street Bridge among them. He said Highway 99 North should be equal to other entrances to the city. He also said signs should indicate entrances to the business part of the ci ty. West 11th Avenue is such an entrance and needs beautification. Mr. Hansen left the meeting at 1:00 and Ms. Ehrman presided from then on. Ms. Schue said Highway 99 North is not the best route to Mahlon Sweet Airport. Mr. Miller said funding priorities will result from the study and it is important to identify Highway 99 North as a major entrance to the city which e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 8, 1986 Page 6