07/08/1976 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

, . Barbara Trojan of the Westside advisory group asked if there was any way of ensuring quality of construction in new apartments. Mr. Blayney said the zoning ordinance e could specify more in the way of standards than it now does. Architectural reviews and other regulations could help, he said; it depended on the extent to which the -- city wished to regulate the quality of construction. Neal Sande, member of the Downtown Development Board, asked Mr. Keyser if the city in retaining his firm for the study gave instructions for evaluation of a certain area as the most likely place for a shopping center - was there a leaning toward the west- side area? Mr. Keyser answered that the primary thrust of the effort was with regard to retail space that would exist in the parking facility now under construction. However, the Renewal Agency felt it best to put forth recommendations that would pro- mote the best possible total downtown retailing situation. To do that, the Agency re- quested a comprehensive analysis of the market and identification of any other oppor- tunities that might exist. The determination of potential for an in~town shopping center, where that might possibly best be located, and how best to meet the criteria outlined, he said, was totally that of his firm. Betty Niven, member of HCDC, wondered about the significance of proportionate share of the tax base represented by downtown and Valley River. She asked whether that was calculated under the recommendations made in the study. Mr. Blayney said not, but he didn't think those numbers in themselves were s~gnificant. He said downtown could probably wind up in five or six years with no department stores, and he thought that would be disastrous. Councilman Bradley wondered if the recommendations contemplated demolition of resi- dential properties and rebuilding for retail or office space, or whether it would in- e volve converting residences to commercial use. Mr. Blayney said the study did not address the types of buildings. He added that it would probably depend upon lot sizes .. since parking requirements for commercial uses would leave very little residential character if a residence was taken for commercial use. Scott Lieuallen, Westside advisory group, asked what provision woul~ be made for bi- cyclists and pedestrians to cross Lincoln. Mr. Blayney thought it would be handled about the same as the Washington/Jefferson traffic is now handled - a median strip, or more signalization for traffic control. Mr. Lipton wondered if there was any validity to the point that siting of another large store on the west side would have the effect of not drawing people through the down- town commercial area, whereas a large store built on the east side would tend to draw people through. Mr. Keyser suggested the best way to answer that would be to authorize, in the next ste~ exploration of some other alternative which would give the opportunity to review such a suggestion. Councilwoman Beal said she had the impression there would be no further urban renewal funds, yet clearly the recommendation is to go ahead with downtown expansion. Mr. Keyser noted funds available from tax increment funding under Oregon law. Charles Kupper, Housing and Community Conservation director, added that about $850,000 of surplus funds would be extended to the ERA under the project closeout agreement, some of which could be used for additional work in the downtown area. An unidentified member of the Westside advisory group said she understood that about a third of the housing in the westside area was in need of major repairs, and she asked - the cost of this study and the funding source. John Porter, planning director, answered that the estimated one-third figure was a rough planning department estimate which was - updated by the consultants. The maximum charge for the study, he said, was $60,000 funded through the planning department budget. 3tflf 7/8/76 - 5