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e David Tobin, 1055 West 18th, also opposed the closure of the crossing. Mr. Tobin is a letter carrier in the neighborhood. He described the attractiveness of the neighborhood which is a mix of residences and businesses. Some have new landscapping. The closure would result in deadend streets in the neighborhood which would lead to increased crime especially for businesses in the area, he said. They would no longer be seen from a well-traveled street. Residents would move and those who stay would not feel safe. Johan Mathiesen, 398 Jackson, owner of Johan's Bakery, referred to the history of the Whiteaker neighborhood. He said Van Buren Street was the Territorial Highway that was started in 1853. The closure would cut a historic route. History is important. Pete Van Herwaarden, 632 Blair, said Van Buren Street is a major access to the River Road district. Many businesses would be affected by the closure. Don Cook, 3835 Kevington, is a partner in a food store in the neighborhood. Some time ago, the railroad crossing was closed for about an hour. It caused problems on other streets. Mr. Cook suggested the City prohibit the railroad from closing of the crossing during certain hours which would solve the safety problem. e Charles Ro~ers, 93 Van Buren, is a Certified Public Accountant and has an office on an Buren. He discussed the alternative routes and said they are not convenient. The City spent $60,000 last year improving the traffic signals at the Van Buren Street intersection and the traffic flow has improved. Eighty-three percent of his clients are south of the crossing, and, therefore the crossing is important to his business. Mr. Rogers hoped the City and the railroad could work out an agreement. He did not want the railroad to go out of business. He suggested the railroad be permitted to block the crossing for a longer period at certain times after the Chambers Connector is completed. Jim Vos, 272 Van Buren, improved the property he bought in 1976. He now has several rentals. He is concerned about crime. Several batteries have been stolen from cars. A letter dated March 11,1985, from Brian W. Bauske was submitted to the Council. Mr. Bausk~ opposed the closing. Jim Holst, 1582 Hackamore Way, is the Safety Officer for the 4-J School District. He has studied the crossing. Although children have ducked under trains a few times, most children observe safety precautions. The problem is caused by heavy automobile traffic. The gaps in the traffic are not long enough for children to cross the street. The school district provides bus transportation from 2nd Avenue to the school for children. The school board has not taken a position on the closure. All who wished to testify against the closure had done so. Mayor Obie asked Mr. Scholibo if he wished to offer rebuttal testimony. He did not. Mayor Obie closed the public hearing. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 11,1985 Page 5