12/14/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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VII. WOONERF PROJECT (memo, background information distributed) e City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. City Engineer Bert Teitzel presented the staff report, reviewing the December 14 memorandum from Acting Public Works Director Don Gilman to the City Council. He stated that the plan had been developed in workshops by neighborhood groups and architects and that the overall schematic design had been approved by the neighborhood. He outlined the three basic design elements of the project, stating that 75 of the 588 on-street parking spaces would be eliminated by the construction of those elements. He said staff did not feel the reduction in parking spaces was significant, particularly in conjunction with the recently approved West Univer- sity Parking Program. Councilor Lindberg explained that the issue had been before the council and the community on several occasions and that several opportunities to speak had been provided to interested individuals. He said it would be a disservice to delay the addressing of any issues until the bid stage. He referred to the responses to the project received by staff, stating that most of the negative criticisms had been addressed and that staff was in the process of establishing workshops for communications with concerned groups. He did not believe that the common misconception that property values would be negatively affected was valid. It was his perception that those property owners who would have mid-block chokers placed in front of their property had been consulted and approved of the project. Mr. Teitzel said that property owners had been informed that an improvement would take place, but it had not been specifically stated that it would result in the loss of on-street parking. He said that property owners would be notified of this fact when the design was finalized. Of the miscon- e ception relating to vagrancy, Mr. Lindberg said there were numerous places for vagrants to sleep and that it would be foolish to eliminate parks and bridges because they had potential for attracting vagrants. He said the solution to the neighborhood question was to develop a neighborhood spirit, the purpose of the Woonerf design, to deal with the problem. Councilor Hansen said he had the opportunity to view the traffic diverters as planned for the neighborhood and said he would support the project if he lived in the area and someone else was providing the funding. He was still concerned that the choker areas would create a problem. He said he would support the project, but he felt that the property owners wherp chokers would occur should be clearly notified that they would lose on-street parking. Councilor Obie said he was also concerned with the choker areas. He felt that the public concern was present even though it had not been voiced. He requested that a study be developed of the increased operating costs to the City after completion of the project. He was hesitant to lose the 75 parking spaces, questioning whether this loss was negating the impact of the West University Parking Program. In response to a question, Mr. Gleason said the council had already adopted the plan and the grant. He understood the council to agree with continuing with the project but to increase the communication with those involved. He said the item was placed on the agenda to provide the council the opportunity to voice their opinions. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 14, 1983 Page 11