02/27/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. attention to the findings which explain why the ordinance is necessary. He asked that the mall be recognized primarily as a commercial district and said it should afford individuals freedom from intimidation and fear of assault. Cheryl Zwillinger, 892 West 23rd Avenue, represented the Commission on the Rights of Youth which she said recognizes safety concerns associated with skateboarding on the mall and also views skateboarding as a positive recreational activity of young people. If the council adopts the ordinance, she encouraged the provision of options for skateboarders, such as a skateboard park, and she requested that the council commit to a time line for its construction. Ms. Zwillinger said the Youth Commission, with assistance from City staff members, could develop a skateboarding brochure. John Williams, 1668 Moss, said he uses a skateboard for transportation and he supported the development of a skateboard park. John Harding, 2263 Minnesota, said he relies on skateboarding for transportation and he encouraged the City to develop a covered skateboarding area. Mike Nichols, 1233 Taylor Street, urged the council to provide an alternative location where skateboarding would be acceptable. e Christian Gunther, Agate Street, spoke as a business person who serves young people. Mr. Gunther recognized skateboarding as a legitimate means of transportation and said that a skateboard park would not address transportation needs. He considered impounding young people's means of transportation and recreation to be unjust and urged the council to avoid taking action that could alienate a segment of society. Cynthia Muntwyler, 131 North Grant Street, expressed concern regarding the community's attitude toward skateboarders and encouraged the council to avoid action that will be discriminatory toward a legitimate means of transportation and healthy sport. While she supported the development of a skateboard park, Ms . Muntwyler did not consider it a reasonable solution to problems associated with skateboarding as transportation. Anneliese Boughton, 395-1/2 West 5th Avenue, said she uses a skateboard for transportation to her downtown place of employment, and the proposed ordinance would prohibit her from traveling through an area she must cross. Lenore Young, 1670 Alder Street, urged the council to address criminal activities as crimes and not to make skateboarding a crime. Ms. Young uses a skateboard for transportation and considers herself a courteous user of sidewalks. Adam Freeman, 395-1/2 West 5th Avenue, described himself as a courteous skateboarder and said the boundary of the area being considered is too large. Richard Wright, 1043 Mill Street, identified himself as a bicyclist and not a skateboarder. He said it is difficult to cross the downtown core area as a e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 27, 1989 Page 6