05/13/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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- e e Answering questions from Mr. Bennett, Ms. Bishow said the Enid/Awbrey industrial area has about 300 acres. Some vacant sites in the area are near the Southern Pacific Railroad but do not have direct access to it. One of the properties has access to the Burlington Northern Railroad. Mr. Gordon said almost all the properties within the urban growth boundary adjacent to the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Burlington Northern Railroad are developed. Ms. Bishow said representatives of 70 firms out of 205 indicated to the Oregon Department of Economic Development that they would like new sites with railroad access. She said the current Metro Plan Economic Goal concerns the metropolitan economy. A new goal is suggested because a 200-acre site would improve the economy of the whole region. Ms. Brody said a new economic goal would not be required if the proposed amendment is initiated but a new goal would strengthen the justification for the amendment. Replying to questions from Ms. Ehrman, Ms. Bishow said the Southern Pacific Railroad probably would require a developer to pay for the railroad spur. She discussed the possible location of a spur. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to conduct a public hearing on the framework of the Awbrey/Meadowview Metro Plan amendment proposal prior to its initiation. Mr. Holmer said he seconded the motion reluctantly. Ms. Schue said the proposal has changed since the council asked the Planning Commission to address it. Previously, the proposal was for a 200-acre site and now it includes 40- to 50-acre sites. She said she needs more information about it. She said the owners of the Awbrey-Meadowview site were permitted to address the council at a work session and, therefore, it would be fair for the council to have a public hearing on the proposal to hear from other people. Mr. Rutan said several hearings would be held if the council initiated the amendment now. Mr. Miller said he wants to stimulate economic growth in the community. He said he would like to initiate the amendment. Mr. Bennett said he supports the motion. He said the issue has been controversial and public comment will be helpful. He said he has gained new knowledge about the market for industrial sites from the staff comments and the hearing may provide additional information. He said he would like to gain support for the final council decision. Mr. Obie said he supports the motion. He said he would like to know the property owners' plans for the site if the amendment is approved. The motion carried 5:2 with Councilors Ehrman, Holmer, Schue, Wooten, and Bennett voting aye and Councilors Rutan and Miller vot i n9 nay. MINUTES--Eugene City Council Work Session May 13, 1987 Page 8