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

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e e - the Build Alternative still existed, stating that the mathematical engineering models have not been completed. She also believed that the council does not have a clear assessment on the impact of a four-lane weave/no weave alternative on businesses. She said she is still concerned with the issues of streetlighting, sidewalks, and pedestrian accessibility to the downtown from the neighborhoods. She said she will vote against Alternative B based on her concerns just stated and because she believes that the statistical information does not justify the need for the project and that the information should be updated. She did not believe that the addition of one lane for a distance of five blocks on two streets will impair the City's economic diversification program. Ms. Wooten said the second and third phases of the program may assist the City's plans in the West Eugene area but not the downtown portion. She felt the DRC should continue its work to mitigate what she considers to be a disaster. She said it is important to maintain the spirit, tradition, and the integrity of the city in terms of its heritage and future. She hoped that some fiscal support can be produced for better maintainance of the trees. Councilor Hansen stated that other areas were also important in the project if the Build Alternative is adopted. He recommended that the council review the charge of the Design Review Committee and the number of members so that the committee has a broad expertise on which to draw. Councilor Obie stated that he heard some sound thinking during the testimony. While some comments were made on commitment, he felt that there were many people throughout the community who have a commitment to the city. He recalled some comments on insensitivity, to which he responded that people often view those in opposition as being insensitive. He believed that the city will not allow historical buildings to be ravaged for the benefit of growth, but he added that the community will also not allow one person to hold its economic future hostage by chaining himself to a tree. He said it is unclear what the real issue of the project; he stressed that the compromises made will potentially not be in some person's best interests. He said the last great compromise forged by the community was when the council attempted to save the three historic buildings on Willamette Street, adding that the buildings were not effectively saved, nor is there an effective office building. He said he will be disappointed if the City must defend itself against a lawsuit or referendum and will be embarrassed if the City's name is advertised when it is trying to locate new jobs for its residents. He said he is ready to confront those issues if they arise. Mr. Obie moved, second by Mr. Hansen, that the City Council approve the Environmental Assessment, approve and adopt Alternative B, along with a request of the Mayor to continue the existing Design Review Committee and add to it in those areas of expertise as he sees fit. Councilor Ball echoed the comments of the other councilors in their concerns that the council is forcing the project on the community. He said the project has been before the public for six years in a number of forums, being part of a wide net of policies. As a strong supporter of the Land Use Planning Process, Mr. Ball felt that it is the most important process and that it does not make sense to defend the process and then turn one's back on a piece of the Metropolitan Plan. He said the Metropolitan Plan hinges on the 6th/7th Widening and other related projects. To address the comments of whether the council and Planning MINUTES-Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 22