01/23/1984 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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~e e - Otto Poticha, 1820 Kona Street, suggested that the City Council turn the issue back to the Design Review Committee without the stipulation of either a~our- or three-lane roadway. He felt that the issue is a design problem. He said many people spoke of various concerns at the Planning Commission public hearing, all of which are part of a design problem. He stressed that engineering is only a portion of the entire proposal. He stated that ODOT has only designed two projects in Oregon: the Washington-Jefferson Street Bridge and another project in Portland. He stressed that design is more than just engineering and planting bushes. He said the 600 trees to be planted would have the mass of only one of the mature trees to be removed. He said the need exists for the project to be designed; he urged that the Design Review Committee be given that opportunity. Bob Dorste, 359 Polk Street, representing the Board of Directors of the Neighbor- hood Economic Development Corporation, said the board's concerns are related to factors apparently not taken into consideration. These factors include how the roadway would divide the city, the loss of the trees, and the effect on the neighborhood businesses and community. He said the roadway will break down the buffers between commercial highway areas and neighborhood residential areas. The City needs to integrate the business, housing and transporation within the community. He said the loss of the trees will expose the ugliness of the area. Tom Bowerman, 33707 McKenzie View, stated that he is negotiating on a downtown parcel which will require extensive development and rehabilitation. He felt that the property value will be diminished if the project is approved. Robert Proudfoot, 2565 Onyx Street, stressed that the devastation of the trees, part of the historical heritage of Eugene, must be considered as the City roles and goals change. He said any actions performed in what is believed to be the best interest of the citizens must be undertaken with responsibility to the residents. He said it has not been demonstrated that cutting down the trees will raise the employment statistics or that leaving the trees will not signfi- cantly impact the economic diversification of the city or inhibit the growth of industry. He said people come to Eugene for the beauty, education, and recrea- tion; Eugene is unique and is known for its specific characteristics. He suggested that the City Council look for a plan which will save the trees and consider the other interests'of the community. Iris Moye, 2425 Columbia Street, urged the council to remain open-minded, referring to previous news broadcasts which showed two members of the council presupposing passage of the project. She said the issue has been oversimplified and that those who are opposing the project have. been seen as obstructionists of progress or well-meaning souls who are sentimental about the trees but who do not have the "foresight" of the councilors. With the council standing behind a banner of progress, she feels that those opposing the project are seen as enemies of Eugene. She stressed that those who oppose the project base their opinions on questionable traffic figures and the appropriateness of the project itself--a highway which will divide the city. She said it would be tragic if the trees were cut unnecessarily. She questioned how a cross-town freeway will help the downtown area businesses; she feels that the development of West Eugene would be made at the expense of the downtown. She agreed with Mr. Poticha's remarks at the Planning Commission public hearing that Eugene cannot boast of a beauty so great that it can practice self-mutilation and still hope to attract tourists and trade. She urged the council to listen to the testimony of Silver- moon and others in support of the Design Review Committee. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 14