03/11/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e The railroad could propose an amendment to the Metro Plan which could close the at-grade crossing, Mr. Johnson said. It is important that the City oppose the closing now to maintain the integrity of the Metro Plan. John Tamu1onis, 2508 Agate, represented the Neighborhood Economic Development Council (NEDCO). He urged the council to oppose the closing of the railroad crossing. He said the City's plans indicate the railroad crossing will remain open. NEDCO operates the Red Barn which has five tenants. The City invested $175,000, the Oregon Bank invested $150,000, and the tenants invested $65,000 in the Red Barn to improve the neighborhood business climate and revitalize the neighborhood. To be successful, customers must be drawn from the rest of the city. Traffic is essential. Closure of the crossing will create a barrier in the neighborhood. It will destroy several businesses and jepardize the investments. Both business owners and residents oppose the closure. They have relied on the City's planning documents. e Steve Adey, 1375 Bailey, is president of the Whiteaker Community Council. At three neighbhorhood meetings, residents have opposed the crossing closure because of its impacts on business, access to the community, separation of the school and emergency services from the rest of the community, and the neighborhood's effort to keep traffic off Monroe Street. The Community Council approved the Chambers Connector because it will reduce through traffic on Van Buren Street. The Community Council is distressed to learn the railroad is requesting the closure of the crossing in order to extend the switching yards. Mr. Adey said a request for a railroad crossing guard for school children was included in the Whiteaker Refinement Plan. The Community Council is aware of the safety problem and has requested a guard from the 4-J School District for four hours a day. He suggested the 1st Avenue and Van Buren area be considered for beautification because it is an entrance to the inner city. Mayor Obie pointed out testimony had lasted for more than 15 minutes. Herman Schwartzrock, 4715 Manzanita, is the principal of Whiteaker School. He said someone had told the Public Utility Commissioner that he favored the closing of the crossing. It is not true. He supports the development of a separate pedestrian/bike crossing and the retention of the at-grade crossing. Paul D. Triem, 358 Blair, opposed the closure of the crossing. Mr. Triem and his wife purchased property a year ago for Eleanor's Spinning Wheel. The property was run down. They have improved it. Back taxes have been paid. They chose the location because of the traffic flow and other businesses in the neighborhood. If they had known of the closure, they would not have purchased the property. He said all businesses in the area will be adversely affected by the closure. Lucille Johnson, 394 B1air,Ms. Johnson and her husband purchased the Tiny Tavern in 1938. At that time, Van Buren Street was the main highway to Portland. Her business depends on traffic. She employs many people and pays much in taxes. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 11, 1985 Page 4