12/04/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

A .~-, 1~ M I NUT E S e Eugene City Council Work Session Council Chamber--City Hall December 4, 1985 11:15 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Cynthia Wooten (11:25-12:20 p.m.), Richard Hansen, Emily Schue, Freeman Holmer, Debra Ehrman, Ruth Bascom, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller. His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie called the work session to order. 1. DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR WEST 11TH AVENUE-GARFIELD STREET--FLORENCE-EUGENE HIGHWAY (commonly known as the 6th/7th Extension West of Garfield) Dave Reinhard reviewed background information on the 6th/7th Extension. He said the need for an east-west arterial became apparent during preparation of the T-2000 Plan in the mid-1970's. The Roosevelt Freeway and the Amazon Parkway were rejected as major east-west facilities, in favor of the 6th/7th corri dor. He said the extension of the urban growth boundary when the Metro e Plan was adopted in 1982 increased the need for the east/west arterial. Mr. Reinhard said members of the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Eugene Public Works and Planning Departments, and a Citizen Advisory Committee considered several alignments for the 6th/7th Extension and decided the corri- dor should be between the Southern Pacific Railroad and West 11th Avenue. Although it did not show on the aerial map he was using, Mr. Reinhard said there is development just south of the Southern Pacific Railroad which would preclude an alignment along the tracks. He pointed out that Roosevelt Boule- vard has been improved as an arterial street from Highway 99 to Beltline, and will eventually extend east to the Chambers Connector and west to Terry Street. Answering a question from Mr. Gleason, Mr. Reinhard said a new bridge across the Wi11amette River is recommended in the TransP1an. It will decrease traffic in the 6th/7th-Washington/Jefferson area by providing an alternative route between southwest Eugene and the Valley River Center area. Mr. Reinhard summarized the testimony received at the public hearing on the 6th/7th Extension. Responding to questions from Mayor Obie and Mr. Hansen, Mr. Reinhard said the Bertelsen Slough has been designated a natural resource area in the Metro Plan. The 6th/7th Extension will receive Federal funds and Federal regula- tions indicate the impact of highways on wetlands must be mitigated. The Lane County Audubon Society favors Alternative #1 to protect the wetlands. - Mr. McKinley said the Environmental Impact Statement documented that large numbers of people go to the slough each year to watch wildlife. Mr. Reinhard MINUTES--Eugene City Council Work Session December 4, 1985 Page 1