05/23/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e draws many people from the community and is a IImagnet.1I Mr. Farkas likened it to an ice skating rink in a shopping center, which draws families; 4) in the Eugene community, the library may be the pivotal component to retain and expand anchor retail stores and potentially add anchor retail stores. Mr. Rutan asked Mr. Farkas if there was any information available about existing library mixed-use projects. Mr. Farkas said there are not many library mixed-use projects. Seattle is planning one now. Sacramento is in the development stage. Minneapolis is beginning the same process. Ms. Hildebrand said that the ones she is aware of are small, and cited the Clackamas Town Center library branch. She was unaware of any main libraries in a mixed-use setting. Mr. Rutan asked if the estimated 2,000 people per day could be extrapolated into retail statistics. Mr. Farkas replied that surveys at the library indicate that 65-75 percent of those who patronize the library also visit a restaurant and/or do some retail shopping. Ms. Hildebrand said the survey was conducted in 1983. Mr. Rutan asked if staff had any idea of the level of interest on the part of private development to be located next to a library. Mr. Farkas said that staff has spoken to private developers and major retailers, including the two anchor stores. All of those spoken to had indicated that a library could aid in their retail goals to extend hours downtown and draw weekend and evening patronage. Mr. Holmer asked if there was a possibility of asking the private sector to support the cooperative use of such a facility. Mr. Farkas said this moves to the question of what a retail environment offers the library: 1) a retail presence could yield potential cost savings in terms of construction; 2) a library would add a sense of security to patrons in a downtown setting; 3) there is greater capacity to share in structured parking, particularly on a tax increment site; 4) in a mixed-use setting there is greater potential for realizing ongoing endowments for book funds or ongoing operating funds. Mr. Farkas said that, based on the mutual benefits identified above, the City should take a close look at the possibility of the library functioning in a situation where it can contribute more to the community and receive more in return. Mayor Obie asked what restrictions the City has if it wishes to build the library on renewal property. Mr. Farkas said the Renewal Agency did pay for land acquired, and there would be some type of transfer of land conditions. The City does not actually own the site, but this doesn't mean the transfer couldn't be made at a lower price than it was acquired for, but it would represent a loss to the agency. Another issue regards parking as tax incre- ment funds cannot be used to pay for parking without private development to generate the cash flow. Mr. Miller asked if, during the discussions with the anchor stores, the destruction of existing structures had been discussed. Mr. Farkas said there was a preference stated by one of the anchors for a new facility and the possibility of deep involvement in a mixed-use facility. Ms. Schue asked if the property west of Charnelton Street is under discussion. Mr. Farkas said most of the attention is focused on the property the renewal agency currently owns, in conjunction with existing retail and parking. Ms. Schue asked if MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 23, 1988 Page 2