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e There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. CB 2308--An ordinance authorizing vacation of Willamette Street, a 66- foot-wide right-of-way, between 6th and 7th avenues. Ms. Wooten expressed concern and asked for clarification regarding the statement made that at no time prior to this evening had the merchants been given the opportunity to testify in regard to the Master Site Plan. Mr. Smith stated that over the past one-and-one-half years, hearing after hearing has been held. The Willamette Street closure was not specifically addressed, but there were oppor- tunities to testify. Ms. Wooten asked if there were objections regarding this proposed closure prior to the time the matter came before the Planning Commis- sion. Mr. Smith responded that there had not been objections regarding either a permanent or temporary closure. Ms. Wooten asked if there is an objective way to determine how much business loss will occur because of the street closure. Mr. Smith stated that there was no way as far as he knew. He feels that eco- nomic benefits will occur as this area becomes a destination area. Ms. Wooten asked if consideration had been given to alternatives such as those suggested by Mr. Poticha or to making this a two-way street. Mr. Smith stated that many alternatives had been considered. Originally, parking was to be underground with everything else on top. However, when it became apparent that the con- struction and parking would need to be above ground, it began squeezing the ground level area that was available. The Willamette Street area was to be retained as the nucleus of the three structures. e Mr. Obie asked if the comments made regarding a four-foot elevation on both sides of Willamette were correct. Mr. Smith said they were correct, but that was only part of the story. Mr. Obie asked if what used to be Willamette Street would be above street grade if he were standing and looking at it. Mr. Smith showed on the model how it would look and explained that there are variations in the grade. He explained which area is to be 18 feet wide. Mr. Obie asked if he was seeing things on the model that he had not seen before. Mr. Smith said that he was not. Mr. Obie asked if there were changes in the Conference Center design. Mr. Smith said there were not. Mr. Obie asked if the galleri~ was in the plan when the Civic Center Commission approved this. Mr. Smith said that it was not, at least not with a covering over the whole street. Mr. Obie stated that he remembered that that had been the case. Ms. Smith stated that she had some concerns regarding the testimony. Specific- ally, she is concerned about the comments that this was the first opportunity for testimony. She is concerned about the traffic flow and if the traffic flow could be changed to a regular traffic pattern. She asked if there is an oppor- tunity for modification of the design. She had received a letter from the Eugene Firefighters Association regarding safety concerns. Mr. Smith stated that life safety concerns were reviewed by the Fire Chief and he was satisfied. Mr. Smith stated that there could be two lanes of traffic through that area, but then the covered connection could not be there. Ms. Smith asked if one lane could be installed. Mr. Smith stated that there would not be enough clearance. Also, other changes would be required for the rehearsal hall and the green room. It would be necessary to move a wall. Ms. Smith asked where two lanes of traffic would go if they were allowed. I~r. Smith demonstrated that on the model. Ms. Smith asked if there is a way to raise the walkway. Mr. Smith stated that there is not. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 8, 1981 Page 6