06/08/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e e e Ms. Miller asked if the downtown mall streets had been vacated. Tim Sercombe, City Attorney, stated that they were not. Ms. Miller suggested that perhaps Willamette Street could remain City property. Present discussion demonstrates that there may have been inadequate amounts of information and discussion previously regarding the present configuration. Also, there had not been significant testimony against the closure in the earlier stages. She asked about the possibility of holding this item over to a later date for further review. Mr. Gleason stated that we have completed over two years of a three- year project. All the decisions have been made based on the street being vacated and planned for pedestrians. It is possible, however, to redesign the facility. One needs to look at a detailed perspective to understand the concept before making a determination. Council could delegate the review to a subcom- mittee of the council which could bring back a recommendation. A report could include alternatives and the costs. He disagrees entirely with the comments regarding fire access/egress and does not feel this should be part of the considerations. He suggested that council instruct staff to come back with a procedure for review, including outside help if necessary because of the long-range effect of this project. Ms. Smith stated she feels there is a need to delay on this item. In the Civic Center Commission minutes, staff was told not to take action on the street vacation until it was known what would happen with the Hilton. She feels the Civic Center Commission should discuss this further and consider alternatives. Mr. Obie noted that when the Master Site Plan was considered, he thought the consideration was whether the galleria would exist or not. He felt staff should come back with a recommended process to review the alternatives. Mr. Lindberg indicated that he recommends a delay to allow more time for review of the information and time to assimilate it. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to postpone action and request that staff come back with a recommended process to look at the alternatives and give those who are affected by the decision a chance to participate in the process. Mr. Lindberg asked if Mr. Obie's motion included bringing back cost figures for redesign. Mr. Obie stated that it did not. Ms. Miller stated staff must look at whether north-south access, through access, or the present plan is best. She does not feel it is appropriate to turn half the street over for the hotel right-of-way. Roll call vote; motion carried 6:1 with Councilor Haws voting no. The meeting was recessed briefly. B. Rezoning--Property Located West of Pearl Street, North of the 3rd- 4th Connector from RG Garden Apartment Residential District to R-4/SR/ 89.3A High-Rise Multiple-Family Residential District with Site Review procedures, and a density limitation of 89.3 units per acre (Evergreen Union Retirement Association) (Z 81-1) (map distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced .Jim Croteau, Planning Department. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 8, 1981 Page 8