01/14/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Ms. Schue stated that she recalls that the concern was that since the parkway ends at 19th, those wanting to go north would have a problem with that bottle- neck. She asked what would encourage use of the parkway. Mr. Allen assured her that they would look at this again. Mayor Keller noted that this had been discussed previously at great length. Ms. Smith asked about the timing on bringing back a proposal concerning this intersection to the council. Mr. Allen stated that this is a major project and is included in the TIP. However, it will be four to five years before this will be on the high-priority list. Studies will be done soon and they can bring back a report by July. Ms. Smith indicated that the timing is distressing. Councilor Delay had voted for this project because he thought 19th would be fixed in a timely manner. One point of crossing was to expand the accessibility of the park land in Amazon Park. This meant paving over some of the park land to widen the intersection. She asked if this is at a point that it could still be finished. Mr. Allen stated that if this street is not to be vacated, they would have to start allover with the project because the exchange of right-of-way was part of the justification. He would not recommend starting over. Mr. Obie stated that that would be the alternative. He asked if the street could be temporarily closed. Mr. Allen stated that final approval will probably not be given until this vacation occurs. Public hearing was opened. e C. M. Stafford, 620 East 33rd, stated that he cannot see any good reason to close 32nd Street. Traffic from that street would then go down 33rd Street to get onto Hilyard and it is already overloaded. A fire station is near and that requires reasonable access. He cannot see the value of the park the way it is now; it is just a narrow strip of ground and Amazon Channel is grown over in weeds most of the year. This is not used as a park. The only users are 10- to 12-year-olds who race their motorbikes. Lots of traffic goes out on 29th. Now they can at least park and go both ways. If the street is closed, the park will not be used. He uses 32nd Street to get to a shopping center and if he had to ride further it would be inconvenient. Closing this street will put more traffic on his street. Most homes are owner-occupied. Many older people live there and it is too much effort for them to come out to a public hearing to complain. It is valuable as a right-of-way for utilities. He also has been told that the City has more parks than it can take care of and obviously this one is not taken care of. Mr. Allen stated that 33rd Street is a paved street which connects to Hilyard. 32nd Street is not an improved street. The only existing street being vacated is 29th Street. There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 14, 1981 Page 6