02/25/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

- .-',e .,..... '" e Riverfront University Science Park. Mr. Hansen said the Council should be sure the project will succeed before approving a bond issue. Ms. Schue pointed out there will be no development on the riverfront property, if the project does not succeed. Noting the sales tax proposal includes restrictions on tax increment districts, Mayor Obie said a tax increment district for the Riverfront University Science Park should be established before the sales tax is approved by the voters, if the council decides a tax increment district is the way to fund the project. Discussing the revitalization of the downtown, Mr. Hansen pointed out the community will be obligated to pay the costs once the project is begun. Replying to a question from Mr. Miller, Mr. Gleason said the City can require a turn lane on West 11th Avenue when there is enough right of way and development occurs within the city. Mayor Obie said about $100 million of private investment will occur in the Riverfront Park and the downtown. During discussion of the Agenda, Mr. Holmer asked if the Agenda included adequate commitment to the Ferry Street Bridge. Mayor Obie said "No." Mr. Holmer said improvement of the bridge is as important as other transportation improvements in the Agenda. Funds are needed to study the design and funding of the bridge improvement. Mr. Gleason said the bridge is part of the industrial transportation system, but the Agenda includes projects which can be accomplished soon and will have an immediate impact on private investment. The improvement of the Ferry Street Bridge is a long-term project. Ms. Schue said inclusion of the bridge in the Agenda would possibly increase its cost to an amount which will seem impossible to raise. Ms. Bascom suggested the bridge improvement be identified as a federally-funded project. Mr. Holmer said funds can be found for planning the bridge improvement and the planning will give credence to requests for federal funds. Ms. Bascom said the improvement will have to be coordinated with other projects. Perhaps it should be given a longer timeframe. Ms. Schue said the title "Transportation System Servicing Key Industrial Area" excludes many important transportation projects. Mayor Obie suggested an asterisk indicate the Ferry Street Bridge improvement should have a high priority. Mr. Holmer said the bridge improvement could be included in the "Gateway" project because it needs to be beautified. It should be included in the Agenda. It is important for economic development. The work session was recessed for 10 minutes at 7:50 p.m. Mayor Obie said the Ferry Street Bridge improvement project should be included in projects to receive state and federal funding. Ms. Bascom said Eugene citizens want street trees included in the Agenda. She distributed a second draft of a memo titled "Mayor1s Tree Commission." MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 25, 1985 Page 3