07/08/1991 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e make decisions about public need. She urged the council to consider Mr. MacDonald's proposal which clearly addresses the needs of low-income people. William J. Mason, 1803 West 34th Avenue, testified in opposition to the pro- posal. He noted that he has attended numerous meetings as an observer on this issue. He said that the blame placed on Ballot Measure 5 is misleading and noted the DDD has been on a bankruptcy course for many years. He said that it is a fallacy that there is free parking anywhere in the City. He does not support a wholesale reduction of validated tickets; DEI's income might exceed its costs and not require subsidization. Anne Kern, 449 Howard Street, identified herself as an employee of B. Dalton Books and testified against the proposal. She felt that customers should not have to pay for parking downtown when parking in other areas around the City, particularly shopping centers, is free. She said that if the program is implemented, it is likely that B. Dalton would relocate to the Gateway Mall. Ann Herrick, 3411 Chaucer Way, spoke in opposition to validated parking. She felt that $.75 per hour is too expensive and suggested that if the program is implemented, the cost might be lowered to $.25 per hour on weekdays; parking should be free on Saturday. All metered lots should be $.50 per hour. Tom Slocum, 1950 Graham Drive, said that while he supports ceasing the taxing district downtown, he does not like validated parking. He noted that DEI represents downtown retailers, not offices. He recommended that the council select Option C or D; parking should be $.60 per hour on weekdays, and free e on Saturdays at the Overpark, Parcade, and the 8th and Pearl lot. Retailers could purchase tokens to distribute to customers. Bob (no last name given), 476 East Broadway, said that he is opposed to spending any money on the Eugene Mall. He suggested that the fountain be removed and that a dome be erected in its place for local bands to play un- der. He said that the current parking program is foolish; the City should be encouraging foot traffic, not cars, on the mall. Gene Joseph, 189 West 8th Avenue, identified himself as a co-owner of Pacific Nautilus and spoke against the proposal. He noted that the parking needs of Pacific Nautilus are unique from surrounding businesses and said that the proposed program would not suit the needs of its customers. He encouraged the council to examine further its options for downtown. He said Pacific Nautilus would be willing to pay an increased DDD tax. Bill Goldsmith, 390 East 30th Avenue, spoke as General Manager of the Satur- day Market against the parking proposal. He cautioned the council about the disastrous effects that terminating the free parking program would have on the downtown area. He asked the council to look at other parking alterna- tives, such as two-hour parking provided around the University and a permit program for local residents. He urged the council to look at the option of free downtown parking using criteria that give priority to the vitalization of a downtown civic area for Eugene citizens. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 8, 1991 Page 5