02/11/1985 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Obie said he wanted the public hearing to be fair and informative. He asked people not indicate their approval or disapproval of testimony. He opened the public hearing. Donald E. Smith, 2221 East Irwin Way, supported the recommended alignment. He said the streets will be safer for driving and pedestrians. The funding available for the widening project is not available for social services. The project will benefit the businesses and industries in the area. Unemployement will continue in the community unless there is progressive planning. - Catherine Burke, 282 North Polk, opposed the project. She had attended Whiteaker Community Council meetings at which many people did not want eight lanes of traffic along the southern boundary of the neighborhood. The livability of the area is in jeopardy. Handicapped and infirm people and those without cars should be considered. The effect of constant noise is detrimental to health. Jim Saul, 111 7th Avenue, chaired "Citizens for Better Streets." The organization urged approval of the project which will be an extention of the approved first phase. Mr. Saul said the effort to save trees had been balanced against impacts on businesses. He regreted losing some trees and he regreted the impact on some businesses, but the project is very important. There are no alternatives to it. The project will enhance and improve the image of Eugene and will be needed by future generations. lone Pierron, 1360 Ferry, represented "Citizens' Alliance for Trees." The organization sponsored the initiative petition which resulted in the passage of Ballot Measure 52, the historic street tree charter amendment. Ms. Pierron ~ said Eugeneans value the friendly, modest human scale, natural features, and cultural resources of the city. Transportation plans must protect the quality of life. The widening is not a cost-effective solution to problems and violates the spirit of the vote on Ballot Measure 52. Four actions should be taken and evaluated before the widening project is approved. The actions are: l} The on/off-ramps at the 1-105/6th/7th intersection should be improved; 2} Through truck traffic should be routed to Beltline Road; 3} Through automobile traffic should be routed on 1-105; and 4} The impact of the Chambers Connector should be assessed. Improvement of the 1-105 on- and off- ramps should received first priority. Ms. Pierron said a vote on the widening project in March is premature. Eugeneans might be better served by reconstruction of the existing roadbed and improved street signals. Through traffic should be outside the core area. Citizens' Alliance for Trees supports planning which emphasizes alternatives to automobile traffic. She could not endorse a project simply to spend Federal funds. She urged an economic development plan which will permit 1 i vabi 1 i ty. Lee Wood, 5430 Donald, supported the project. She had been told Eugene is a town where everyone is running but the town does not know where it is going. She wondered how a project which improves worn-out streets, traffic flow, and the safety of drivers and pedestrians, provides an attractive east-west arterial, and will bring in $7 million for jobs could be opposed. Many people - MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 11, 1985 Page 4