05/22/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Manager noted the County was being asked to provide $35,000 from their funds, and would do so contingent upon the City providing $65,000. e Mr. Haws wondered how critical the timing was, and wondered whether the forthcoming State measure/would make State funds available. Betty Niven, Chairman, JHC, said the issue of the election and State funds was irrelevant to this project, as it was being financed by HUD. Regarding the timing, she said the project had already been in the process for two years and would not be able to keep the bids after June 11. The request is being made because of inflation and the requirements by HUD, which create an either/or situation for this project to be completed. Don Jarmon, National Benevolent Association, said a June 5 closing date was the deadline, with construction to begin June 30. He said after that date, prices would be inflated and might make the project impossible. In answer to a question from Mr. Delay, Mrs. Niven said the City's participation was not contingent on Lane County's. She said the money was available and the project is very desirable. Lane County had definitely determined if the City makes a contribution, they will contribute $35,000. Clarence Townsend, 52 East 23rd, spoke against the proposal. His concern was that in going through the 1990 General Plan, there was no policy statement that only senior citizens should live in high- rise buildings. He wondered if future citizens would see such struc- .4It tures as a kind of special religion that only senior citizens can live in highrises. He read a statement from the Willamette Observer regarding the State measure. He felt it was peculiar for the City to have a policy which says people in the state institutions should be put in group homes that are small, but yet are building 150-unit high-rise complexes for the elderly. He wondered if his generation would have to tear down those highrise structures as this generation is tearing down state institutions. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to approve JHC recom- mendation and allocate $65,000 for the project. Mr. Delay hoped highrises would not be just those that serve special classes, but could be developed as high-density environment for all the city's citizens. He said this was not something to be built and forced on someone, but there was a demonstration there are persons in the community who want to live in such a building. To be successful in restoring the downtown area over time, he felt it would be extremely attractive and will integrate the elderly into the lifestyle that all ci ti zens now enj oy. - 5/22/78--10 372.