04/22/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e east and the west parts. At the Blair, Van Buren, and 4th Avenue intersection, there are several very different businesses such as Tiny's Tavern and Blair Island Restaurant. The UDAG proposal would add to this bridge across Blair Boulevard. The Red Barn would be a small economic diversification. A bakery, a grocery store, and a craft shop would provide jobs for residents. He urged the support of the council for the application. Ron Saylor, Vice Chair of NEDCO, a resident and business owner near the Blair area, explained the history of the project and the goals of NEDCO. NEDCO had carried out a feasibility study and worked with volunteers and the former owner to rehabilitate a building adjacent to the barn which is now the NEDCO office. Volunteer help now takes care of the area. They had persuaded the Community Development Committee to use CD funds for the purchase of the barn. A market study was done on the project. The barn is registered on the National Register of Historic Buildings. They have recruited tenants. They have planned and priced the development, and packaged and repackaged it in pursuit of capital to finance the rehabilitation. Mr. Saylor urged the council to proceed with the application. NEDCO has raised $170,000. It is a clearly defined project with locally committed funding. Carol Glazer, 47 Adams Street, staff person for NEDCO, referred to the dis- tributed material. NEDCO would like to have "gap financing" in order to raise the equity to bring in private money. They have raised half the money they need for the project. They are obtaining a commitment for $150,000 bank financing. UOAG would provide the additional equity. It would aid in the purchase of the parking area for the barn property and other businesses. Fran Chylek, owner of the Blair Island Restaurant, said she and her partners have had the business for seven months and they have hired 15 people. They like the neighborhood and feel that sooner or later the Blair Island area would be developed. It now appears to be later. They looked forward to the development of the Red Barn because they feel isolated currently. The Blair Island Restaurant personnel hope that council will support the application. There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lindberg, to approve the Urban Development Action Grant application for the Blair revitalization proposal and its attachments; and to authorize the City Manager to act as the representative of the City in connection with the application. Mr. Thomas relayed Mr. Obiels comments. Mr. Obie was sorry that he could not be at the council meeting. He was briefed by the NEDCO staff. He felt that the history of the barn ownership should be made public. Mr. Thomas noted that had been done in the information before the council. Mr. Obie's second thought was that the area obviously does need help. His impression of the staff's sincerity and ability to carry out the project was favorable. He felt the council should support the project. MINUTES--Eugene City Council Apr il 22, 1981 Page 5