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

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. e e Don V. Lax, 116 Knoop Lane, stated that he has lived in various cities throughout the world and moved to Eugene because he felt it was the most liveable city in the world. He displayed a violin which was constructed of 130-year-old maple wood. He then performed an original composition entitled "For Green Trees." Concluding his testimony, Mr. Lax stated that the trees will scream psychically if they are cut down. Alan Stein, 540-1/2 Van Buren Street, .stated that a public hearing is to provide the opportunity for everyone to speak--the public hearing should represent what the public wants. He stated that not enough time was allowed for people to speak in opposition to the project--17 people were against the project while 5 spoke in favor of it. He said the same public feeling was expressed at the previous public hearings--the majority being against the project. He said the arguments expressed in favor of the project are the projected increase in downtown employment and the supposed support of the businesses for the project. Mr. Stein responded that there were only 25 more people working in the downtown now as compared with 1972; he said that he was a businessman and he opposed the project. He again stated that the testimony of the previous public hearings spoke in opposition to the project. He said the issue is not about growth, but about democracy. He said the City Council will not approve the project if it bases its decision on public opinion. If it is proven that the widening project is needed, then Mr. Stein said that more time should be allowed to consider the impact of the project. Brian Michaels, P.O. Box 10785, said he has heard that ODOT has already decided to complete the project because of the safety factors involved, regardless of the council IS action. He displayed a signature sheet and referendum packet which was ready to be submitted upon the council IS decision to widen 6th and 7th avenues. He acknowledged that there is not enough time to get the referendum on the May ballot, but he said the required 3,800 signatures could be collected in time to place the issue on the November ballot. He cautioned the council that any construction could be stopped if the referendum succeeded, leaving the torn-up streets as a monument to the council IS unresponsiveness to the public. He suggested that the council place the issue on the ballot in May. He urged the council to act responsively and responsibly. James Goodwin, 1890 West 15th Avenue, read an excerpt from Shel Silversteinls Where the Sidewalk Ends which describes people leaving the polluted city and going to a place of beauty, clean air, and nature. Other comments concerning the widening'project: Richard Guske, 278 North Grand, Chairperson of the Whiteaker Community Council, stated that he was not against the Build Alternative, but he stated the Whiteaker Council was against the Plan B specifics as described in the Environmental Assessment document. He supported the work of the Design Review Committee and urged that the committee's life be extended and given staff support. David Filer, 235 East Third Avenue, a member of the Downtown Commission, stated that the project was complex and should be considered in the context of the existing planning and the planning at its implementation. He said the project will have as great an impact on the downtow~ as on the West Eugene area and MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 15