09/12/1988 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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rangements can be made. He said there are also provisions for property e owners associations and an emphasis on owner-sponsored pedestrian improve- ments in the area. Mr. Hibschman said the Central Area Transportation Study (CATS) examined parking demand and supply in the downtown area. Two possible locations are identified in and near the 5th Avenue area--one is a subterranean location at 6th Avenue between Oak and Pearl streets which was originally designed to accommodate three or four more floors, and the other is a garage at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Pearl Street. Mr. Hibschman said the real question is what can the renewal tools do to improve this area? Linkages are a major answer. Staff proposes improving the streetscape, pedestrian areas, trees, and lights in order to provide continuity with the rest of downtown and to improve the atmosphere, particu- larly for nightlife. The Willamette terminus will undergo entrance beautifi- cation and ongoing improvements will be made on the south side of 5th Avenue to complement work already done on the north side. Parking would be the most important thing that renewal tools do to improve this area. It will make it easier for private property owners to develop their property. Renewal loan programs could be extended to encourage tenant improvements and improvements to building facades. Responding to Mr. Holmer1s query, Mr. Hibschman said that the current geographical limitations on the loan program are within the central boundaries. At this point, Mayor Obie decided to remove himself from the 5th Avenue discussions due to a possible conflict of interest. He turned control of the e meeting over to Council President Wooten. City Manager Mike Gleason said that parking facilities are the equalizer in an urban renewal district. Ms. Schue asked staff if there will be enough new development to generate enough additional tax increments to provide the parking. Mr. Hibschman said a generalized development model was used to examine potential increment revenue. He said it is going to take resources from the existing renewal district to address initial parking requirements in the new area. He said that, in theory, the old area will initially subsidize the new to pay for the parking. Mr. Gleason said the first question that needs to be addressed regards wheth- er parking is integral to the structure or will be free-standing, and the second question is whether parking structures will be built in conjunction with buildings which should typically be above five floors. Ms. Ehrman asked if the building would be exempt from increment if another four floors were added. Mr. Gleason said that would depend on how it is structured, because if the parking was part of the development and the devel- oper manages and leases it, there would be an income cash flow, but if the City builds it, then the public would get no increment flow. Responding to Ms. Ehrman1s follow-up question, Mr. Gleason said the County has no plans for expansion at this time. e MINUTES--City Council Work Session September 12, 1988 Page 2