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- e - Mr. Miller also agreed with Mr. Rutan. He would like the project cost to have a "cap," he would like a strong commitment to work out the problems, and he would like the council to review progress on the project. He pointed out the council will not meet again until April 17. Mr. Hansen said the delays in resolving the downtown problems were compounding the problem. The opening of Willamette is vital to the revitalization of the downtown, he sai d. The estimate of $400,000 was really a "cap" and the council would be involved in the approval process. He did not think the wide sidewalks are needed for pedestrians. People in automobiles need to be attracted to the area and parking spaces are needed. He hoped the council would approve the project. He did not think the City should help to fund the relocation of the transit stations. The distance between the stations will not be elongated. Ms. Schue said she had never supported the project. She thought it is a waste of pUblic funds. However, she would not delay the project. Ms. Bascom thought the street should be opened because it will improve circulation to the downtown, add vitality to a dismal block, and will give a better southern entrance to the mall. She was glad the overgrown vegetation will be removed. She favored the wide sidewalk at 11th Avenue. She said the City should work with LTD to evaluate the impact of the street opening. Ms. Ehrman said she had voted against the street opening; however, she was concerned about its appearance. Traffic circulation and the provision of parking spaces were reasons given for the street opening, but the sidewalk bulges did not address those concerns. She felt the City should help mitigate the problems the opening causes for LTD and LCC. They have helped revitalize the block. She favored postponing a decision. Ms. Wooten closed the discussion. She said the staff had legitimate concerns about additional delays. The council directed that the project be expedited. She said $400,000 is the "cap" for the project cost and no general funds will be spent on the project. The opening of Willamette Street will mean that greater business and social interaction will take place in a smaller space on the mall. She favored the design with the wide sidewalks recommended by the Planning Commission. She suggested the council commit the City to work with LTD in the relocation of the transit stations. Ms. Wooten recessed the meeting of the Eugene City Council and convened a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency. Res. No. 9l2--A resolution of the City Council acting as the Urban Renewal Agency recommending modification of the Urban Renewal Plan by opening Wil1amette Street between 10th and 11th avenues to vehicular traffi c. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to adopt the resolution and approve the design of the street recommended by the Planning Commission which includes wide sidewalks on each side at 10th avenue and a wide sidewalk on the east side at 11th Avenue. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1985 Page 6