06/22/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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M I NUT E S e Eugene City Council City Council Chamber June 22, 1981 7:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Gretchen Miller, Betty Smith, Mark Lindberg, D. W. Hamel, Brian Obie, Cynthia Wooten, and Eric Haws. ABSENT: Councilor Emily Schue and Mayor Gus Keller. Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by Her Honor Acting Mayor Gretchen Miller. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Consideration of Permanent Street Closure of 24th Avenue, West of . Grant Street (memo distributed) 0 . Dave Whitlow, Assistant City Manager, introduced Jim Hanks, Public Works. Mr. Hanks stated that this public hearing is to consider permanent street closure of 24th Avenue, west of Grant Street. There has been a physical -- closure of this street since July 1978 to reduce speed on 24th Avenue and on Arthur Street. There has been a total reduction of through traffic in the neighborhood from 401 cars to 31 cars. This survey was taken during six hours of peak traffic time within a 24-hour day. This particular item has extensive history. In 1971, the first problems were noted. In July 1977, staff began a study and installed a trial diverter in 1978. Staff has attended neighborhood meetings and this is the third proposal which staff has suggested. Staff feels it has the support from the majority of the neighborhood. On March 12, 1981, a survey of the neighborhood showed that 57 people were in favor of making this a permanent closure and 37 people were against it. Mr. Hanks showed various slides. Through traffic had been using 24th Avenue and Arthur Street to avoid the 18th and Chambers traffic light. There are extreme grades on Arthur Street between 23th and 24th avenues. There is no reason for through traffic to use this route, especially since the 18th and Chambers intersection has been improved. He noted traffic counts prior to and after installation of the diverter. Traffic has been redirected to 22nd Avenue and Grant Street. Mr. Hamel asked why the barricade could not be taken down now for a traffic count since the 18th and Chambers intersection has been improved. Mr. Hanks responded that it could, but he thinks the problems are still present on Arthur Street due to the grade. Mr. Hamel asked him if he felt the same type of traffic problems would occur there now. Mr. Hanks said he did not think they would since 18th and Chambers was improved. Ms. Miller asked if one-way diverters had been considered. Mr. Hanks stated that that had been one . MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 22, 1981 Page 1