06/08/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e If this vacation is granted, 4,240 square feet are being deeded over to the Hilton which is a $63,222 give-away to the Hilton. Although this is the first opportunity for him to be heard, he would like to know why action on this street vacation was not taken before it became so costly. The original vacation request was prepared by Mr. Coleman, acting for the City of Eugene, on May 20, 1980, but for some reason, it was not presented at that time. People who make their living in the "affected area" feel this will be detrimental to their economic welfare. He asked if some reasonable arrangement could be made such as temporary closures during events. Serious consideration should be given to their objections. Once the street is vacated, nothing further can be done. Otto Poticha, 1820 Kona, stated that Ed Smith had summarized the original plans very well, but that every single thing relating to the Conference Center, the Hilton, and the Performing Arts Center has changed since the original Master Site Plan was done in 1979. The galleria concept was very exciting at that time. Originally, all parking was to be underground and both sides of Willa- mette Street were to have shops. Then, the central arcade was an integral part of the concept. Now it has become just another paved open space. Parking cannot be underground because of the level of the water table. The hotel has been turned 90 degrees since the original Master Site Plan and it no longer fits the connection as it did. Also, the Conference Center does not relate in the same way that was originally proposed. There was no reason to cover it because in the original plan, it was a galleria in the Milan fashion. Now it is just a paved area. He feels it important that buildings be a part of the city and not "islands unto themselves." He asked if there would be a guarantee of a free- flow for pedestrians and a visual connection between these facilities with the rest of the city. He feels the area now designated as retail is only large enough for small flower stalls. The plaza is four feet above grade level. It is not open as the map indicates. He pointed out potential traffic flow on the maps and explained the problems with the proposal. He suggested having two pull-off drop-off lanes with a shelter. He also suggested railroad-type cross- arms that would prohibit traffic temporarily. He feels that some streets can be closed temporarily on a satisfactory basis. He feels the largest cost in reopening this street would be to provide more light for the green room. He volunteered the services of the AlA local chapter for design work, if that is necessary. Tom Slocum, 2125 Fairmount, stated that he had presented 53 signed letters to the council as well as 20 new signatures on petitions showing the concern there is for linkage between the core area and downtown. He indicated agreement with Mr. Poticha. He encouraged the council to take another look at possible alternatives. He stated that there are planning efforts throughout the city with one group doing something and another group wanting something else, yet with no one taking a look at the overall picture. The 5th Avenue district should not be set aside from the mall or vice versa. They are interrelated. There is an extensive free parking program, but the bureaucracy is frustrating those who wish to participate in the program. The automobile is still the major form of transportation. Structures have been built and now people are frustra- ted because they are not able to use them easily. In regard to the cost of the kiosks, perhaps the rest of the downtown merchants could supply the retail space and the cost savings would allow the $1.5 million for the street. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 8, 1981 Page 5