05/22/1989 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e feel access is reduced by the diverter to encourage their customers to change habits and drive an extra block. Mr. Wold maintained that the diverter will maintain 5th Avenue as a residential street and encourage the use of 6th and 7th avenues as the arterials they were designed to be. James R. McCoy, 1190 West 5th Avenue, said that making the diverter permanent would be an excellent policy, complying with the Whiteaker Refinement Plan and helping to revitalize a central neighborhood. He encouraged the council to approve the motion under consideration. Robert Emmons, 1064 West 5th Avenue, considered the ability to exit the Chambers Connector at 5th Avenue an error in the planning process. He said the diverter helps preserve the livability of the neighborhood. Mr. Emmons suggested that a business whose customers refuse to drive an additional block may have problems not associated with access. Mike Pierson, 1026 South 39th Street, Springfield, identified himself as an employee of Central Lane Building Supply. Mr. Pierson spoke of traffic congestion increasing as a result of the diverter. He encouraged consideration of all those affected by the diverter, not just residents of the neighborhood. David Payne, resident of 5th Avenue, cited Valley River Center as an example of a situation in which difficulty of access does not deter customers. He expressed concern that the issue appeared to be one of business versus the environment, and said the objective should be that of improving livability. e There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Miller closed the public hearing. Mr. Williams pointed out that 5th Avenue, between Blair and Chambers streets is classified as a residential street. He reported that 300 letters had been sent to property owners and residents in the area bounded by Chambers, 6th Avenue, Polk, and 2nd Avenue. Funding for the diverter has been secured as part of the Chambers Connector. Prior to construction work on Chambers Street or 6th and 7th avenues, the traffic volume on 5th Avenue east of Almaden Street was 1,600. With construction completed and the diverter installed, that volume is now about 300-400. Staff's recommendation for a permanent diverter was based primarily on the availability of access to other arterials in the area. Mr. Williams apologized for miscommunication between the Engineering and Transportation divisions regarding survey work done last week. Mr. Williams submitted three letters and a petition. Ms. Ehrman wondered whether the diverter was putting more traffic on 4th Avenue. Mr. Williams said a moderate increase was possible, but counts taken east of the diverter indicate that area traffic is now minimal for any residential street. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 22, 1989 Page 5