05/23/1983 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Carroll D. Fentress, 3883 Blanton Road, Eugene, Chairperson of the Crest Drive Citizens Committee, stated that he is new to Eugene, but he objects to the project because it is: 1) not needed or requested, 2) a waste of taxpayers' money, and 3) the first step in ruining the character of Lorane Highway. Ed Deardorff, 675 Lorane Highway, stated that the project is not essential because the highway is adequate to handle the present amount of traffic. He stated that the residents do not want another "Fox Hollow" and that only minor improvements are needed. He said the Planning Commission had given the school board credit for initiating the project, but the school board, when questioned, had denied it. Mr. Deardorff said that attention should be given instead to the school on 29th Avenue which does not have a continuous sidewalk for the children approaching the school. He added that the Lorane Highway area needs better police and fire protection and occasional maintenance more than the new project. He said he feels the council is attempting to ramrod the project through without concern for the desires of the property owners. Pat Collins, 701 Lorane Highway, stated that he had lived in the area for 27 years. He stated that the citizens should be asked what is desired before action is taken. He stated that the school board and the Bicycle Committee do not want the new project, but the City wants it and wants the property owners to pay for it. Mr. Collins said he could not afford to pay the assessment and that he was tired of the waste in City management. Mr. Farmer presented an additional comment, stating that there is presently sufficient walkway for children to use in going to school but that the project would eliminate the walkway on the south side of the highway. Public hearing was closed. Mr. Teitzel said that in studies performed, speeds have either remained the same or have increased two to three miles per hour in other areas where the street has been widened. He added that the Eugene Bicycle Committee has endorsed the project and cited a May 13, 1983, letter from Mr. Lindquist as evidence of the school district's support of the project. On the issue of the sidewalk location, Mr. Teitzel stated that the staff had agreed with Mr. Lindquist's suggestion of the north side of the highway, adding that a sidewalk on that side would better serve the residents. In reference to the Frances Willard School on 29th Avenue, Mr. Teitzel said that a sidewalk has not been requested by the district safety commi ttee. Councilor Schue asked if traffic counts had been performed on the highway. Mr. Teitzel responded that counts have been taken over the past ten years at the Hionda intersection. He said that the traffic has decreased from 550 to 450 cars per day. He added that the 85 percentile vehicle speed at the intersection is 32 miles per hour. Councilor Wooten asked for clarification on the extent of the drainage and erosion control problem. Mr. Teitzel stated that there is little problem on the section involved in the proposal, but the Washington to Fillmore section has some problem with soil being washed onto the roadway. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 23, 1983 Page 9