11/25/1985 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Kit Larsen, 2162 Kincaid Street, representing Lane County Audubon Society, e submitted a copy of statements previously presented to the Planning Commission. He said the proposed highways would have a significant impact on Bertelson Slough, Stewart Pond, and adjacent wetlands. He said he was not opposed to the highway, but he would be very much opposed to Alternate 2, which would destroy Stewart Pond. He said any roads would have a negative impact on a natural area, and any wetland loss measures mandated by the project should go into the Bertelson Slough, Stewart Pond area for preservation of the small, but valuable, resource. Jeff Stier, 958 West 11th, spoke in opposition to building the highway. He said the central assumption of the Transp1an, Metro Plan, and 6th/7th extension was the population projection of 293,700 by the year 2000. He also said it was recommended as part of the Mid-Period Review that the population estimate be increased to 300,000 with no specified year. He said $43 million worth of improvement projects were included in Transp1an for Eugene over the short and medium range, adding that he found such plans ridiculous when the population projections might not occur for 20 or 30 years. He said the population assumptions should be changed if they were incorrect. Mr. Stier also noted the expense of the projects and the reluctance to support tax increases. He said the 6th/7th extension plan would go before voters, and he intended to bring up those issues. Mr. Stier added that the Environmental Impact Statement for the project contained a significant omission (possibly open to legal challenge) of flooding problems for the Amazon Creek drainage area, which was included in recent Federal Emergency Management Administration definitions. e Paul Morris, 222 66th Avenue East, representing Pay IN' Pak Stores, Inc., said he had met with staff and favored Alternate 1. He said a concern existed, however, about the present location of the extension across parking lot property. He said Pay 'N' Pak would like to see the extension moved about 80 feet to the northwest and would be willing to eliminate the building if necessary. He submitted photos and revised plans showing the option. Jack Hough, 925 Ascot Drive, representing Bob Bennett Realty, presented letters from property owners on the southwest corner of 5th and Seneca. He said the letters requested reconsideration of the alignment for Alternate 1 where it crossed subject property. He proposed moving the alignment 60 to 70 feet north to allow continued use of the main facility on the property. Mr. Hough said the property contained two bui1dings--one 18,000 square foot manufacturing structure on the south and a 6,000 square foot warehouse to the north. He said the EIS and other documents called for removal of the smaller structure, which also would eliminate any access to Seneca Avenue from the two and one-half acre site. He said the quality of the structure and the value of the land, approximately $500,000, would justify northerly realignment. William Sweetland, 1257 Courtney Place, owner of Sweetland Industrial Park, said his property would be adversely affected by Alternate 2, but he did not favor either alternative because of the impact on the west Eugene industrial area. He said he enjoyed working in the area and found area supplies complete and convenient. Either alternative would slash through the area in a way that was out of character and would destroy established businesses, he said. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 25, 1985 Page 5