02/20/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

- housing policies would represent more diverse geographical areas than indicated by the recommended comittee structure. He would not vote against the recommended structure, but he hoped his concerns would be considered. Ms. Schue said she would indicate Mr. Holmer's concerns to the Mayor who will be recommending committee members. Housing will not be an important part of the committee's work in the future. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to approve the eleven member Community Development Committee recommended in the February 5, 1985, memo to the Mayor and City Council from the Interim CDC. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. V. REPORT ON VAN BUREN RAILROAD CROSSING (memo, background information distributed) Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the agenda item. Pat Decker of the Planning Department gave the staff report. She said the Southern Pacific Railroad asked the Public Utility Commissioner (PUC) to approve the closure of the Van Buren Street at-grade railroad crossing because the Chambers Connector overpass will be on Southern Pacific property. e The proposed closure has caused much discussion in the Whiteaker neighborhood, Ms. Decker said. The City has received petitions with 1,200 signatures opposing the closure. The Whiteaker Community Council and the Neighborhood Economic Development Council (NEDCO) have retained legal counsel and will have an interested party status before the PUC. Ms. Wooten said she represents the Whiteaker area. People in the neighborhood have worked hard to revitalize it. The railroad crossing closure would create a hardship because travel among parts of the city would be impeded. She suggested the City oppose the closure when the Public Utility Commissioner considers the matter. Replying to a question from Mr. Hansen about delaying opposition until the Chambers Connector is completed, Ms. Decker said neighborhood people do not think they can wait that long. Business owners must know what will happen so they can plan. The railroad crossing is close to the Southern Pacific switching yards and railroad representatives want trains to be able to close the crossing for longer times than now permitted. Mr. Whitlow said railroad representatives are also concerned about the safety of school children. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Ms. Wooten said the council will gain information at its public hearing. The council will be asked to oppose the closure. e Mr. Holmer wondered if the environmental impact statement for the Chambers Connector addresses the safety question. He pointed out traffic on the crossing will be reduced when the overpass is completed. Mr. Whitlow replied that both the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Public Utility Commissioner are concerned about safety at the at-grade crossing. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 5