04/14/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. "white elephant" project. Some roads must be built, but the object is not to pave the entire city, but rather to leave some places desirable enough to go to. She does not think the design is realistic for the future and ~ does not think the delays are serious enough to warrant this project. She ... .. is not convi nced by the argument that if the moni es are not spent, they will be lost, because it is still tax money that is being spent. · Mr. Delay stated he is concerned about the project, although it has . improved. He thinks the problem is that not enough creative energy has been spent to answer some of the questions raised in 1977. He expressed his ambivalence toward the project and stated he realizes it is part of the T-2000 Plan. He said that if, however, we are not going to do some- thing, it should be decided in plenty of time so staff energy and time are not wasted. He feels the questions he raised regarding the diversion potential are a key. He sees there are good things about the project, such as better accommodations for Lane Transit District, but he thinks it is too bad it does not favor the buses. It allows continuity of single- family auto traffic. It is designed on the 30-percent transit goals for the year 2000. It does provide better bike facilities and park resources, as well as some amenities for transit ridership. Potential diversion would allow the opportunity to squeeze more out of the project. He does not know if the risk is greater in doing the project or in not doing it. He asked for council consensus to include as a part of this resolution a high priority to 'have staff see what can be done to make modest downstream improvements in the 19th and Parkway area to make it an alternative route downtown. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to amend the motion to ~ include downstream improvements of the Amazon Parkway as a City ... priority. Ms. Smith asked if this amendment would include the two left turns on Hilyard going north onto Amazon. Mr. Delay responded that it would be giving preferential treatment to left-turning traffic, providing improve- ments where Amazon Parkway stops at 19th, and putting energy into diverting traffic from Hilyard. Ms. Schue stated she agreed with Mr. Delay's 19th and Parkway suggestion. She lives near that area and is supportive of alternative transportation, but Lane Transit District's statements convince her that the improvement is needed. The long-standing City policy is for keeping traffic out of neighborhoods and onto arterials. She will vote for the motion. Ms. Smith stated she supports the project. It is important that council consider the long-range plan. The 30th and Hilyard project is being designed for anticipated needs. Within the last three years there have been many times this intersection has been badly congested, and she is pleased with the changes made in the design during this time. She stated staff has been responsive to concerns and a look should be taken at the energy saved by not idling at the intersections. She urged the council to support the project. e 4/14/80--6