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

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- e - have spent many years on the project to meet the needs of the public and property owners and the current and future transportation needs of the city. She pointed out Eugene has several four lane streets. Many trees will be saved. Jon Silvermoon, 2441 Madison, opposed the project. He said the recommended alignment does not address the issues which led to the passage of Ballot Measure 52. Voters questioned the need for the 6th/7th widening and the removal of the historic streets trees. The 6th/7th widening should be considered during the revision of the T-2000 Plan. The public questions the population and employment projections used to justify the project. The public does not want traffic knifing through the heart of Eugene and is not willing to sacrifice environmental livability for highway construction funds and deference to the automobile. Mr. Silvermoon said City funds for operating expenses and capital improvements are limited. Federal supplements to local revenues will be reduced. The project is not a cost-effective solution to traffic, air pollution, and safety problems. The most serious problems are associated with the ramps at 1-105. The dispute is not between pro-growth and no-growth advocates. It is a conflict between different visions of the Eugene's future. He asked the council to reaffirm the city's commitment to alternatives to the automobile by restoring the urban public transit goal which was decreased recently, retaining the Lane Transit District transfer facility, promoting flex-time employment to decrease demands on the transportation system, and protecting natural and historic resources. John Kahananue, 1710 West 7th, served on the Design Review Committee. He remembered that some people had objected to the Pearl Street extension. He was glad it was constructed, but, because of it, the 126 Connector was defeated. Now, 6th and 7th avenues are the east-west arterials. If they are not widened, the problems will be worse. Modifications to the 1-105 ramps cannot be done without widening 6th and 7th avenues. There is not much through traffic on 6th and 7th avenues. Bob Gray, 86812 McMorott Lane, is owner of Gray's Feed and Seed and opposed the proposed alignment. He had not been contacted about the recommended alignment. He said the slides did not show the northern edge of the sidewalk and the approximately one-third of his parking lot which will be eliminated. If the recommended alignment is approved, Gray's Feed and Seed will not be able to get building permits to reconstruct the business in case of a disaster or to modernize because sufficient parking spaces will not be available. The business has been at the same location for 45 years, but it cannot exist with less parking. He did not think 45 years of effort should "go down the drain" just to save five trees. Ida Jorgensen, 931 West 7th, supported the project. She said the traffic on 7th avenue is "bursting at the seams." People will be better able to cross the street because the traffic will be facilitated. People coming to town will not have to stop about every 100 feet. She felt it was a "grand" project. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 11, 1985 Page 5