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e Mr. Holmer asked if there was a price tag associated with the expansion in terms of tax increment income accruing when development occurs that could otherwise be directed toward schools. Mr. Hibschman said the staff has prepared a 20-year analysis that it will bring to council with the entire plan document. Mr. Farkas added that such an analysis is speculative. Responding to a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Farkas said the State does pay property tax~s on buildings it does not own outright. The State has indicat- ed that it is currently building a new State office building in Portland, and this is its first priority over building in Eugene. Mr. Bennett said the area east and north of the conference center will proba- bly be developed sooner than the area to the west and for this reason he felt it made sense to focus on this area in the short-term. However, the area west is the most blighted and the most likely to be developed with housing. However, when is it reasonable to expect that to occur when the City is unable to get housing downtown in close proximity to office building employ- ment. He questioned why the district needed to be expanded now when there are vacancies in the core area. e Ms. Wooten said that at a previous meeting some time ago, the council had discussed the expansion question. At that time, there were indications from staff that it would be five to seven years before the City could begin infra- structure improvements to the west, and at least five years before increment revenue was realized. Mr. Gleason clarified that staff made these projec- tions based on anticipated development and said they did not really have a firm date. Ms. Wooten said she felt the area to the west should be included in the expansion area because of the less expensive opportunities it offered for infill development. She was most interested in the housing opportunities in the area. Mr. Bennett responded to Ms. Wooten1s comments. He said the question in his mind was what form would such housing take? If housing was driven by employ- ment, why be looking at this issue right now when the demand is not there? The demand may change. Ms. Wooten said this could be true; however, her inclination was to believe the City will see a broadening of HUD 235 moneys and get the opportunity to develop some low- and moderate-income housing to the west. Mayor Obie said he would like to return to this question. Ms. Bascom said the council had previously considered whether to have more or fewer options in the expansion. When considering the urban growth boundary, part of the rationale for expansion was that the City would be providing more variations for potential development. Ms. Bascom asked if the Lane County Elections building should be included in the area. Mr. Hibschman said that staff had discussed with the County staff their intentions regarding the property surrounding the building on 6th Avenue; they were unclear about whether or not the property would be offered for sale or its status, and he said he would find out more information. Mr. Gleason added that the County is not very happy with the building and is interested in finding alternative space. Mr. Farkas said that if the property is to be sold to the private sector it could be included. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 25, 1988 Page 6