02/20/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e best serve the needs of the station. Among the locations discussed previous- ly, the Elections lot is the preferred location. However, if the Elections lot was chosen as the future transit location, additional parking would need to be constructed to replace parking that currently exists on this lot. The board does not feel that lTD should have to assume the responsibility for parking replacement nor does LTD have the capital necessary to fund it. Ms. Bascom commented that progress on station siting appears slow. Without having chosen a specific site for station relocation, the City is not pre- pared to approach the Federal government about possible funding assistance. In response, Ms. Loobey emphasized the importance of project timing. She explained that if the project does not get in this cycle for Federal funding, the local share of financial responsibility will increase from 25 percent to 40 percent. Ms. Bascom reiterated her concern that it would weaken the City's case to seek Federal funding assistance for this project prior to making a commitment on a site. Mr. Boles inquired about the possibility of using the payroll tax differen- tial to cover the Federal funds local match. Ms. Loobey responded that LTD currently needs all the capital generated for the payroll tax to cover cur- rent and projected operating expenses. e Mr. Boles asked whether LTD has had further discussion about enhanced bus routing to serve those areas which have indicated an interest, but are not currently served. In response, Ms. Loobey said that no barriers exist to serve these populations. Mr. Nicholson asked whether LTD has examined the possibility of modifying its type of system operation. In response, Ms. loobey said that the board has explored various types of transit system operations. For a community of Eugene's population and pattern of density, the current "hub and spoke" sys- tem is still the best choice. Mayor Miller commented that regardless of its location, any new facility would need to be architecturally compatible with the existing surroundings, including the mitigation of sound and visual impacts. Ms. Loobey assured the council that the new station would integrate well with its neighboring facil- ities. Ms. Ehrman noted that selection of a three-quarter-block site for a transit station would allow an additional quarter block for a mixed-use development. Mr. Boles suggested that the board consider the possibility of using the remaining quarter block for housing. Mr. Boles remarked that that the City is ready to embark on its strategic financial planning process and asked whether there is interest and support on the part of LTD for a more advanced mass transit system, such as a light-rail system, should the community want this. In response, Ms. Loobey said that thus far, the community has not indicated such an interest. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1991 Page 7