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<br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Mr. Walters said that in light of the overwhelming community support for <br />affordable housing, he would be in favor of amending the Metro Plan to accom- <br />modate this use. He noted that past vacancy of this site demonstrates that <br />it is not likely to be used in the near future. <br /> <br />Mr. Wojcik offered his opposition to the project, noting that this parcel is <br />a piece of prime industrial land that will be needed for such uses in the <br />future, particularly in light of an economic transition away from a timber- <br />based economy. He also felt that the proposed use would be incompatible with <br />already existing uses. <br /> <br />Mr. Berg offered his support for the project. He recognized that that there <br />are no ideal sites for this type of development, but felt that the proposed <br />mitigation plan would provide a satisfactory buffer between residential and <br />industrial uses. In light of the need for affordable housing and the econom- <br />ic constraints to development of the site for industrial uses, he offered his <br />support for the project, but also noted that he would support an increase in <br />the amount of industrial uses of the site. <br /> <br />Mr. Schanz said that he would support the project, explaining that as more <br />housing becomes available, overall housing costs will decline. <br /> <br />Responding to a question from Mr. Walters, Mr. Wojcik said that the property <br />is more appropriate for industrial rather than residential uses because of <br />compatibility with the surrounding properties. It would be a mistake to <br />develop this property as residential, which would preclude the opportunity <br />for improved highway access to the site. He also said that clustering the <br />elderly in one place would create additional types of social problems within <br />the community, such as crime. <br /> <br />Mayor Morrisette said that in the event that he will be asked to vote on this <br />issue, he would support the proposal, with adequate safeguards to ensure that <br />the commercial needs of the residents is met. <br /> <br />Mr. Cornacchia asked the council to consider to what extent this development <br />is expected to satisfy local needs for affordable housing, versus attracting <br />others from out of state. <br /> <br />Mr. Beyer said that he likes the proposal and acknowledged that purchasing <br />affordable land is the only way to make most affordable housing proposals <br />work. He also noted that if the council supports the project, it should be <br />willing to enact the ordinances and tax abatements necessary to make the <br />proposal work. He acknowledged the risks associated with the proposal and <br />concerns for compatibility, but said that it is worth the effort. <br /> <br />Mr. Walters expressed his appreciation for Neste Resins and its contribution <br />to the economy of the local area. Mr. Schanz echoed those comments. <br /> <br />The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m. <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 6, 1991 <br />Springfield City Council <br />lane County Board of Commissioners <br /> <br />Page 8 <br />