04/13/1992 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e the public hearing is the proposed conceptual design for reopening the street to vehicular traffic; a second subject of the hearing is an ordinance con- cerning the Eugene Pedestrian Mall, which would amend the Eugene Code in ways necessary to return the section of Olive Street between 8th and 10th avenues to vehicular use. This ordinance would go into effect only if the voters approve a measure to reopen the street at the May 19 primary election. The Downtown Commission held a public hearing on the proposed conceptual design on March 31. Following the public hearing, the commission voted to forward the recommended design concept with no revisions to the council. Mayor Miller opened the public hearing. Sue Prichard, Chair of the Downtown Commission, said the commission appreci- ated the assignment it was given by the council and found the time line chal- lenging. She said the commission used information, reports, and designs that had already been completed to be as cost- and time-efficient as possible. She said the commission developed an inexpensive and attractive plan that accomplishes what the commission feels is the most critical factor to a se- ries of projects that should be occurring. She said the results of the com- mission's public hearing were overwhelmingly in support of the design and that from comments heard so far, this proposal has a very favorable public response. She said the commission encourages the council's speedy action so that revitalization of downtown can occur. Hal Reed, 85139 Appletree Drive, Lane Economic Committee Chair, testified in support of reopening Olive Street, saying that the remaining stores are hin- dered by the lack of accessibility. Tim Scherer, 84984 Appletree Drive, introduced himself as an owner of proper- ty on Olive Street currently occupied by Bradford's Hi-Fidelity. He said one of the reoccurring themes in comments he has heard regarding the reopening of Olive Street has been a desire for a guarantee that opening the street will be successful in bringing retail back to the downtown mall. He said the only known guarantee is that if nothing is done, the mall will continue to de- cline. He felt the cost of opening the street was very reasonable. Carol Scherer, 84984 Appletree Drive, testified in support of the proposed design and amendments. She said she believed that reopening Olive Street will stimulate a positive cycle resulting in more jobs, improved safety, reduced taxes, and more accessibility for bicyclists and motorists in the area. Betty Niven, 65 West 30th Avenue, testified in support of reopening Olive Street. She said as a member of the Friends of Downtown, which opposed the opening of Willamette Street, that she would like to clarify that the Willamette Street proposal included reopening Olive Street and would have cost $3.5 million, and that reopening Olive Street only would cost a fraction of the Willamette Street proposal. She felt this proposal was cost effi- cient. She suggested putting the relocation of the existing fountain on a separate ballot if it will not be included on the ballot for reopening Olive Street. MINUTES--Eugene City Council 7:30 April 13, 1992 Page 5