11/06/1989 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e for greater flexibility and responsiveness to development initiatives in order to better reflect the Metro Area General Plan's policy to strengthen downtown as a regional service center. Other changes to the 1968 plan eliminate certain land use provisions on acquired property. Parking requirements have become more concerns of practical needs for development. A design review committee has been replaced by design guidelines. The amended plan is proposed to be sunsetted in 20 years, while there was no limit to the 1968 plan. Expansion of the district to the northeast of downtown includes an area that uses 20 percent of the districtls capacity to expand and reflects the Downtown Plan's policy to strengthen the linkages. The council will consider two different versions of the plan, with one of them proposing expansion and one not. Julie Aspinwall-Lamberts, Downtown Commission president, emphasized the importance of completing the original intent of the plan by pursuing the construction of public improvements and the disposition of land for development. The amended plan addresses seven policies within the Downtown Plan: 1) to promote the intensity of downtown development; 2) to improve downtown's ability to serve as a major regional employment center; 3) to encourage the development of housing in the downtown area; 4) to support the revitalization of existing downtown retail activity; 5) to support potential office development; 6) to recognize that City-owned surface parking lots are being e used on an interim basis and these particular lots are identified for redevelopment as soon as possible; and 7) to encourage the development of new parking structures with other uses at the street level. The Downtown Commission supports the use of design guidelines for development. The commission recognizes that the projects listed in the amendment are not approved as part of their inclusion in the renewal plan but will be subject to annual budget processes and the availability of funds. The commission supports the construction of parking facilities as leverage for private development. Ms. Asp;nwall-Lamberts commented that proposed projects at 8th and Willamette and at 11th and Willamette have the support of the Downtown Commission and are considered important for their revitalization of the area and enhancement of the retail environment of the city. Mr. Bennett recommended that the council separate the update of the urban renewal plan from issues associated with specific projects within the update. He considered the council's first priority to be addressing the plan itself. Council President Bascom opened the public hearing. She reminded the audience of the council's ground rules for public hearings and asked those testifying to limit their comments to three minutes and to request an extension if necessary. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 6, 1989 Page 5