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<br />e Peg Persinger, 2174 Keith Way, spoke on behalf of Creative Kids and Kids' <br /> Edition, two small retail stores on the downtown mall. She urged adoption of <br /> the updated plan and continuation of the City's commitment to making downtown <br /> a viable location for businesses. <br /> Sue Prichard, 2671 Emerald Street, considered a vibrant downtown critical for <br /> the community's success. As a commercial real estate broker specializing in <br /> downtown property, Ms. Prichard said six factors attract clients: 1) <br /> adequate parking; 2) good automobile and pedestrian access; 3) a critical <br /> mass of activity; 4) a downtown core; 5) a predictable and dependable <br /> development process; and 6) a partnership with the City, with building <br /> owners, and with customers. Ms. Prichard urged the council to continue <br /> developing a partnership with downtown and to expand the Urban Renewal <br /> District. <br /> Kevin Hornbuckle, 1359 Patterson Street, said he represented the working <br /> class of the community and urged the council to ask itself the following <br /> questions when considering urban renewal: 1) where is the evidence that <br /> urban renewal benefits the well-being and health of the community outside <br /> downtown businesses? 2) for whom is free enterprise free? 3) what happened to <br /> the people who owned the businesses that no longer exist as a result of urban <br /> renewal? 4) why is the City eager to subsidize capitalism downtown? 5) who <br /> can afford to use the Hult Center? 6) does the City want to encourage the <br /> increased use of cars? 7) why doesn't the City subsidize bus service <br /> downtown? 8) why not implement rent control to provide more spendable money? <br /> 9) should tax payers support private enterprise? <br />e Mike Schwartz, 2390 Lariat Drive, identified himself as owner of M. Jacobs <br /> Furniture and Jacobs Plaza downtown and he urged support of an expanded Urban <br /> Renewal District. Citing the loss of major retailers on the downtown mall, <br /> he supported opening both Willamette and Olive streets to automobile traffic. <br /> Mr. Schwartz said that the factions that consistently oppose other <br /> development projects (e.g., the Riverfront Research Park, the widening of 6th <br /> and 7th avenues, the airport project, and relocation of the library) also <br /> oppose an updated urban renewal plan. He encouraged the council to support a <br /> healthy downtown by supporting the plan update. <br /> Rod Malone, 3445 Breezewood, identified himself as manager of The Bon <br /> department store. He said The Bon is committed to retaining its downtown <br /> location as long as it is economically viable to do so. Because a healthy, <br /> growing downtown that includes office space, parking, new retailers, <br /> accessibility, and improved circulation is in The Bon's best interest, he <br /> asked the council to support the updated plan. Mr. Malone commented that in <br /> his many discussions with City officials about downtown, he has never been <br /> offered a "slippery dealJl as some speakers had insinuated was a common <br /> practice. <br /> Randy Prince, PO Box 927, urged the council to reduce traffic and spend money <br /> on improvements that will benefit all citizens of Eugene. He maintained that <br /> urban renewal increases taxes both within and outside the Urban Renewal <br /> District. Mr. Prince claimed that adequate parking is available and <br />e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 6, 1989 Page 9 <br />