05/11/1987 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e balancing interests. Mr. Corson said the Planning Commission had adopted or addressed all of the suggestions and concerns submitted by the Riverfront Research Park Commission, in addition to adding some important new provisions of its own, which he reviewed. He noted that the district called for protection and enhancement of the natural vegetation between the river's edge and the top of the bank and for landscaped areas, open areas, and vegetation between any deve 1 opment and the ri ver. He also noted that the proposed district called for extensive public access to the river, as well as for fair amounts of solar access to recreation areas. Finally, Mr. Corson noted that in order to preserve some of the natural attractiveness of the site, the district would limit building heights, would require setbacks from buildings, and generally would require underground utilities and that signs not be directed to users of the river. He said these types of provisions and requirements reflected a concern for the unique qualities of the site and a responsiveness to public input. He said the proposed zoning encouraged continued public access, use, recreation, and enjoyment of the riverfront area, while at the same time allowing limited and controlled development. Mr. Corson said the Ri verfront Research Park Commi ssi on strongly supported adoption of the zoning designation. John Moseley, 1925 Dogwood Drive, University of Oregon Vice President for Research, urged the council to adopt the recommended zoning. He said the district had been reviewed extensively within the University and by the Ri verfront Research Park Commi ssi on and he thought the zoni ng addressed general issues in a positive, balanced way. Mr. Moseley said the Master Development Plan would show details of how the zoning would be carried out, along with recommendations from the Universityls Campus Planning Committee and other groups participating in the forum with the developer and planner. He said he thought the forums had been useful in informing the zoning plan, which along with the Master Development Plan, would "substantially enhance the riverfront area and the Willamette Greenway, while at the same time allowing development of research and related activities that will enhance the Universityls research and be a significant catalyst for economic development in the a rea. II John Replinger, 41 West 35th Avenue, said he had attended the previous public forums and was pleased to see how they had transpired. He said he thought the project could be done well, and he offered three suggestions for changes to the ordinance. Mr. Rep 1 i nger urged the council to increase the requi red setback from the proposed 35 feet to 60 feet from the river bank. He said he thought evidence had showed that architects easily could accomodate a setback of 60 to 100 feet, adding that he wished the EWEB facility had been completed so that the implications of building so close to the river could be seen. Mr. Replinger said he thought the solar access requirements as proposed were very lenient and he would prefer that a December 21 date be used as the basis for performance. He said that change would make the ordinance slightly more restrictive, but it would apply only to 60 percent of the frontage. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 11, 1987 Page 6