02/28/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e It would be possible to include the mitigation site as well as the expansion site within the urban renewal district boundaries. In support of the proposed plan, Ms. Bascom said that this plan provides a unique opportunity to recommence with plans for the development of a recreation corridor along the Amazon Channel as well as accommodate wetlands replacement. Mr. Holmer said that he is in favor of using an urban renewal and tax increment financing approach to address the City.s obligation to . Spectra-Physics, and emphasized the importance of dealing with mitigation immediately. He suggested that the council immediately proceed with the urban renewal plan for mitigation and consider the Terry Street improvement later as a possible amendment to the urban renewal plan. Chuck Massar, Spectra-Physics Facilities Manager, said that if the City proceeds with the proposed mitigation strategy, Spectra-Physics will be satisfied. He noted that while the expansion of Terry Street to the north would be beneficial, it is not an essential element of the package. Mr. Bennett acknowledged that the City has an obligation to help Spectra-Physics with its mitigation, but said he cannot support urban renewal funding for this type of project. He felt that tax increment financing is a special approach which should only be used on projects which benefit the public and suggested that alternative methods of funding should be considered in more detail. e Mr. Boles said that he is also uncomfortable with using urban renewal as a solution to this problem, and will only support this method of funding if it is the only way to respond in a timely manner to the City's needs and responsibilities to Spectra-Physics. Mr. Rutan stressed the importance of taking decisive action on this plan as soon as possible. Ms. Ehrman said that she would be willing to separate the two issues, but that she views the Terry Street expansion as a much-needed improvement to the City.s transportation system. Ms. Schue said she would also be willing to separate the Terry Street portion of this, if the council so desired. Ms. Ehrman indicated that any decisions made at this point with regard to urban renewal would be controversial in the community and suggested that, if possible, the $217,000 be taken from contingency funds and paid back at a later date if the council decides to create an urban renewal district. Mr. Green said that because of Spectra-Physics' past support demonstrated desire to create more jobs for our community, he would support the creation of an urban renewal district to deal with wetlands mitigation. He suggested that, in order to deal with voiced concerns, that the district be created with a mandatory ten-year sunset clause. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 28, 1990 Page 5 -',