03/02/1992 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. II. WORK SESSION: EUGENE COMMERCIAL lANDS STUDY Teresa Bishow, Planning and Development Department, reported that if adopted, the Eugene Commercial lands Study would provide clearer policy direction concerning the use and supply of commercial land; promote redevelopment and effective use of public infrastructure; establish that when new commercial sites are evaluated, the City consider the needs of local residents for retail and services as well as opportunities for redevelopment in existing commercial areas; and create a framework for changes to be made to the zoning ordinance and other City regulations affecting commercial lands. Ms. Bishow said that the council will join the lane County Board of Commis- sioners in a joint public hearing on the study on April 8. She noted that the study was recommended for approval by both the Eugene and lane County Planning Commissions without any recommended changes. On February 11, she said, highlights of the plan were presented to the Downtown Commission. At the request of Councilor Rutan, the Downtown Commission is scheduled to con- duct a more thorough review at the end of March. Ms. Bishow said testimony on April 8 is expected from the Chamber of Commerce and league of Women Vot- ers. She noted that the City of Springfield chose not to be involved in the plan. e Ms. Bascom asked John Vanlandingham, Planning Commissioner, to comment on the letter from Al Johnson attached to the packet regarding land in South Eugene needed for affordable housing that has been designated as commercial. Mr. Vanlandingham shared Mr. Johnson's concern, but noted that the determination of specific sites to convert to commercial use has not been made at this time. Ms. Bishow explained that the study says that up to 15 acres of land currently in residential use within the south Eugene area could be converted to neighborhood commercial use. She noted that there is no vacant land available for commercial development in south Eugene. Mr. Nicholson agreed with Mr. Johnson's letter and also expressed concern with the removal of the minimum surface parking element. He said it was not intended to be a punitive measure, but rather an acknowledgment that this is an urban center and compact growth requires standards that are compact. Ms. Bascom said that the Housing Policy Board has identified affordable hous- ing sites in south Eugene and is disappointed that this is not a strong ele- ment in the study. Mr. Boles said that Mr. Johnson previously raised the issue of private lease restrictions in malls that preclude building within a set area from the cur- rent lessee's property or place of business. He said information requested from the City's Attorney's Office during the council's work session on this topic has not been received, making a response difficult without that infor- mation at hand. Ms. Childs said staff would make every effort to get that information mailed to councilors before the April 8 hearing. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 2, 1992 Page 5