02/22/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e made more visible through ways other than reopening Willamette Street. Mr. Whitelaw restated his belief that there are not alternatives in Eugene that would offer as much access and visibility as reopening the street to automobiles. Ms. Bascom noted arguments that say the possibility of Sears and The Bon leaving the mall is both a reason to leave it closed and a reason to reopen it. Mr. Hibschman called councilors attention to a process chart prepared by staff. He said the council needs to set a meeting at which it will make a decision on how to proceed with the issue. He said the conceptual design process will take five to six months. The best time for mall construction has been identified as after the Christmas holidays and before summer. If a public vote is going to be held, the first opportunity is September 20, 1988, which has a ballot deadline of August 10, 1988. Mayor Obie asked if the council needs any additional information. Mr. Holmer asked what the distinction is between conceptual design and design. Mr. Hibschman said conceptual design is a process that recognizes certain refinements that are needed to the plan, such as the inclusion of certain elements. He said user group input would be solicited during the conceptual design process. e Mr. Holmer asked if the conceptual design process has to take place after the council has reached a decision on the issue. Mr. Hibschman said the conceptual design process could occur sooner if desired. Mr. Gleason pointed out that during the renovation of 6th and 7th avenues a design committee implemented the project after the council had made a decision. He said there are often lots of undiscussed elements that require policy decisions. Mr. Holmer asked if the council should make a decision without addressing some of those undiscussed questions. Ms. Ehrman asked if specific private development along the street will affect design. Mr. Hibschman said the most likely location that will occur is at 8th and Willamette. He said the design process could be altered to accommodate a range of possibilities. Mayor Obie clarified the options available to the council: 1) accept the Planning Commission and Downtown Commission recommendation to redesign Willamette Street for vehicles; 2) retain the pedestrian mall between 8th and 10th avenues and; 3) submit the issue to voters. Mayor Obie said the community appears to have conflicting values on the matter. He said he has considered a fourth option of directing staff to return to council with a proposal that combines the best of proposals one e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 22, 1988 Page 4