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Mr. Finch said the only convincing argument for opening Willamette is that people like to be dropped off in front of a business. He suggested the bus e parking be moved so that people can be dropped off on 10th Avenue. He said most people can walk one block. Brad Perkins, 1590 Mi 11 , said his business is archi tectura 1 design and restoration of historic buildings. He read his testimony and submitted it in writing. He said increased intensity of development on Willamette between 8th and 10th will not destroy historic buildings. He sa i d ma 11 structures are rotted, trees are overgrown, the fountains are expensive to maintain, and the mall is too large for Eugene. Mr. Perkins said people should be able to drive down main streets. An obstruction in the ma in street disorients people. Strong downtowns need diverse buildings and investors will not construct new buildings if the buildings do not have vehicular access. He said main streets should not be parks. They should promote commerce. He said Willamette Street should be undammed so that trade, social events, parades, and building density can be encouraged. Mr. Perkins said the mall on Broadway between Willamette and Charnel ton will have intense activity and be an appropriate size for Eugene if Willamette between 8th and 10th is opened to traffic. Paul Nicholson, 2480 Alder, said he is a member of the Fairmount.Neighborhood Association Board of Directors. He said people seem to dislike the process the council is following. He said the meeting in October on the Urban Renewal Plan Update seemed to be "rigged.1I He said most people do not want Willamette e between 8th and 10th opened to traffic and that is a sufficient reason for keeping it closed. Ginnie Lo, 1855 East 28th, said she is co-chair of the Fairmount Neighborhood Association. She read two resolutions passed by the association in June. One resolution opposed opening Willamette to vehicles between 8th and 10th. It passed 20 to 7. Another resolution supported a binding city-wide referendum on opening Willamette to vehicles. She said councilors. votes for the opening would result in huge expenditures, destroying the mall, and ignoring the wishes of constituents. Aaron Brown, P.O. Box 10127, Olympia, WA, said he likes the downtown mall. He said he opposes the opening of Willamette between 8th and 10th. David Zupan, 972 West 4th, said councilors should listen to the community. He said planning to open the mall should be stopped and putting it on a ballot would be the last resort. He suggested architects for the downtown meet with the people who use the mall and ask what will increase the vitality of the mall and what will get people to come downtown. Robert Reuschlein, #3, 956 1/2 West 4th, said his research indicates that military spending accounts for about 97 percent of economic growth. He said that is obvious where military projects are located but it is also true where mil itary projects are not located because thi s is one nation. He said e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 13, 1987 Page 23