04/08/1992 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e e e ciation that many of the committee's recommendations are included in the draft plan. He said that the AlA continues to support the study and offered further assistance to the Planning Commission and staff. Dave Hauser, 2904 Wolf Meadows lane, representing the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber has been actively participating in the study since last year. He said that the members of the Chamber represent the owners, developers, and consumers of the majority of the commercial lands in the Eugene area. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to the Chamber for input in the study. Mr. Hauser emphasized the supply of commercial land and the relationship between development in the core downtown area and other locations in the city. Regarding the supply of commercial land, he said that sites referenced in the study lack some essential features that would create prime or quality sites. These features include traffic flows, high visibility, access, and adequate size. He stressed the need for additional flexibility that would address requirements for constraint-free land. He suggested that policy 10.0 include implementation strategies that would allow the Cjty to respond in a timely fashion to uses with special siting requirements.' In additfon, he said that a proposed action seems appropriate regarding monitoring vacant commercial land. Specifically, he suggested a new implementation strategy 10.2 to read: "Examine ways to amend the existing zoning ordinance to allow flexibility in the siting of new commercial land that accommodates changes in population, transportation networks, u~ility extensions, etc." Tom Bowerman, 33707 McKenzie View Drive, stated that he served on the Commer- cial lands Task Force. He expressed concern regarding allocation of commer- cial lands in the Eugene area. He said that currently, it ;s very difficult for locally owned businesses to compete successfully in the market. He said that developers from out of town purchase inexpensive land on the perimeter of the city, develop the land with inexpensive buildings, and pay low sala- ries to employees thereby allowing those businesses to market their products at a price lower than local businesses can. He maintained that those who try to work within the existing infrastructure are at a disadvantage because of over-allocation of commercial land on the perimeter of the city. He said that the study should examine the "true costs" for developing the perimeter land, such as additional infrastructure costs. He sited the fact that his business was denied funds to do off site improve- ments, while the Gateway Mall development was granted a significant amount of funds. He stated that this type of practice promotes perimeter development. In summary, Mr. Bowerman stated that he opposes any additional allocation of commercial land on the perimeter of the city. There were no objections to Mr. Cornacchia's request to ask a question of Mr. Bowerman. Mr. Cornacchia wondered whether Mr. Bowerman had any specific suggestions of modifications to the allotments of commercial land. Mr. Bowerman said he would need to further examine the plan before being able to to request spe- MINUTfS--Joint fleeted Officials April 8, 1992 Page 4