10/10/1983 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ed Beal, 712 East 16th Avenue, Eugene, said he had listened to the discussion e and agreed that no one was happy with the situation. He described the parking problem as a grim game of musical chairs, with commuters competing against residents. He said he sympathized with the commuters looking for parking spaces, but stressed that the residents of the WUN did not compete with the commuters in their own neighborhoods. He said he and his wife only used one space in front of their residence, stating that they did not feel the space belonged to them. He asked the council to consider the residents in making its decision. He said the program was well-planned, but he asked for the additional study of the area east of Hilyard Street. Adrienne Lannom, 460 East 15th Avenue, Eugene, said she lived and owned property in the WUN area. She said she supported the solution presented by the parking program, stating that the issue was one of right-of-way versus right-of-stay and that no one was guaranteed a free on-street parking space. She stressed that the council had previously decided that the residents deserved the right to on-street parking. She said the choice and cost of transportation were two of the inherent factors in one's employment. She said the issue of equity for employees throughout the city existed, stating that many downtown employees had to pay for parking. She said the counci~ had heard many complaints and fears from the WUN residents on previously adopted plans, the council stating that such plans would have minimal impact on the residents, but the result was that she still could not find parking in her neighborhood. She said the program might not be the solution, but it should be given a chance. Charlotte Lemon, 1280 Mill Street, Eugene, said she had been a resident of the area for many years, explaining that at one time it was required for all residents e to have off-street parking. She said she had a garage, but it was necessary for her, her guests, and service personnel to park on the street on some occasions. She said the problem did not disappear at the end of the day and that her guests continually had difficulty finding parking space. She said staff had been quite thorough in checking on the program, although some questions still existed. She said that although opposition to the program existed, most people would accept the change over time. She suggested that the program be implemented and the problems ironed out during the demonstration period. Norman Babcock, 374 West 4th Avenue, Eugene, stated he did not live in the WUN area, but he was one of the proverbial car-haters. He stressed that another energy crisis was possible and that people should make more use of public transportation and bicycles. He said that the buses charged a comparable rate to private vehicles, but he recognized that the bus system might be inconvenient to some people. He said that the University and Sacred Heart Hospital should have lockers and dressing facilities available for those people who use alterna- tive transportation. He said it cost approximately 35 to 40 cents per mile to operate a private vehicle. He reiterated that Eugene was growing and the days of free parking were over. He said the program was a good opportunity for the council to address the future. M. Steven Baker, 360 East l~th Avenue, said he purchased a house in the WUN area in 1975 and currently lived there with his daughter. He said he strongly supported the program, stating that he had been a student at the University and e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 10, 1983 Page 7