02/20/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e miliar with the Downtown Design Committee's recommendations in preparation for a February 25 public hearing. Al Johnson, Downtown Design Committee Chair, outlined the downtown design principles. He said that in creating its recommendations, the committee attended to three key principles: 1) to maintain a strong pedestrian orien- tation; 2) to improve access; and 3) to provide design flexibility. Mr. Johnson noted that a summary of the final report is contained within the council's agenda packet. He provided the council with a map of the proposed design and outlined the major design changes to the central mall area. Mr. Johnson reviewed the key design elements: 1. Broadway between Willamette and Charnelton: The recommendation is to keep this street in its present pedestrian-only state. 2. Willamette Street: A convertible street which would be open to two-way vehicular traffic most of the time but could be closed for special events. Mr. Johnson said that the convertible street design represents an evolution in thinking about the mall concept. It allows the City to respond to changes in needs for downtown design. He emphasized that a convertible design would allow the street to be either one- or two-way in the future. Such flexibili- ty would not be gained if the street was made one-way now. An attempt has been made to maintain a pleasant pedestrian orientation on this street by limiting traffic flow. 3. Olive Street: To become a traffic access street but maintain pedestrian-orientation by narrowing the lanes at the entrances, broadening the sidewalks, and modifying sidewalk paving. 4. Plaza structure located at Broadway and Willamette: Would be redeveloped to provide expanded opportunity for use of this area as a public space. Southeast corner would have a weather-protect- ed structure for indoor/outdoor activities. 5. Linkage Park: Create a pedestrian-only space between the Equita- ble Building and the First Interstate Bank that would provide a linkage between the plaza and the Park Blocks. Ms. Bohman noted the public process for the project has included several opportunities for public involvement and comment. The Register-Guard has published illustrations of the recommended design with a response question- naire, the results of which are contained within the council's agenda packet. The Planning Commission and Downtown Commission held a joint public hearing on this issue on February 5. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the proposed design be approved and referred to the voters. However, three concerns were raised and the following recommendations made: 1) MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1991 Page 4