12/12/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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additional park space, and a public gathering place. Also included was the e concept of the Millrace as a point of arrival to the Old Mill building. Downtown Commissioner Roger Neustadter, expanding on the issues of access and circulation, outlined the following suggestions for improving the downtown ma 11 : l- Open up Wil1amette Street between 10th and 11th Avenues to two-way traffic with drop-off points and landscaping. The athletic club in the Ax Billy Building might lead to opening Wi11amette Street to 8th Avenue. 2. Return Broadway to two-way traffic between Pearl and High Streets. 3. Allow transit vehicles on Willamette Street within the mall area. 4. Improvement of Parking: Short-tenn: Transfer parking responsiblity from Public Works to the Development Department, centralizing the issuing of permits and promoting the asset of parking. Some changes in employee parking were also discussed. Long-term: Possibly add to the the existing parking facilities and the possible elimination of free parking. In a general discussion with regard to the above changes, those present raised e the questions of the actual demand for transit service in the downtown area, problems resulting from changing some of the downtown streets from one-way to two-way, the assessment of parking fees, and methods of motivating businesses to relocate or develop in the downtown area. Mr. Neustadter said that responses from retailers to possible parking changes within the plan thus far had been similar in nature. He emphasized that the plan contained no threats to the retailers nor any big changes. He acknowledged that some long-term changes related to parking reduction might be considered a threat to some. Downtown Commission Vice-Chair Mike Schwartz, addressing the issue of services and marketing, stated that the two major goals were to improve the downtown economy and the focus of the city within the region and to enhance the role of the downtown as a central location for public and private resources. He said the downtown manager role should place emphasis on the importance of the down- town's economic importance. He said a prospectus on the downtown manager position would be mailed out that week and it was hoped the position would be filled by February. He stressed the importance of the Hult Center and the library as regional centers, with the Eugene Celebration and other activities drawing interest and retail to the downtown. Work had also been performed to increase housing within the area and to draw retailers to the downtown. Mr. Schwartz said that the Eugene Downtown Association was currently working on its second six-month budget, stating that it was important for the City to continue its Economic Development loan program and to maintain the image of the downtown. Responding to a question on the role of the downtown manager, Elaine Stewart said the individual hired would manage downtown develoment e related to projects and property management, with funding for the position to MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner Session December 12, 1983 Page 2