07/08/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Smith asked if staff is considering creation of a committee to review pending acquisitions and asked about the time frame of these acquisitions. e Mr. Gleason stated that if council would like to change the direction, they should say so now. If nothing is said, the plan is to spend the money before January without further review since this is part of an existing plan. Ms. Smith indicated she feels staff should proceed with the seven parcels and expand the advisory committee for future planning. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to approve the authorization for purchase of property located adjacent to Skinner Butte Park at Cheshire and Lawrence streets. Mr. Haws asked if this purchase would occur within this year. Mr. Gleason indicated that this and other proposed acquisitions are being pursued as fast as possible. Ms. Wooten indicated that she has concerns which she has conveyed previously regarding displacement of those in low-income housing. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Mr. Gleason indicated that the community participation issue will be brought back in the process of the master plan. VI. CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED VACATION OF WILLAMETTE STREET BETWEEN 6TH AND 7TH AVENUES (memo distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Ed Smith, Development Director of Eugene Performing Arts Center. e Mr. Smith stated that at the direction of the City Council, staff has reviewed the possibility of leaving Willamette Street open for vehicular traffic upon completion of the Performing Arts Center. He showed maps and stated that there are several options available, but they are limited because of the reduced width street. Because of construction that has occurred, it would be extremely difficult to return Willamette Street to the original width. The Eugene Per- forming Arts Center lobby as proposed, would extend into the original street width but it would not be a problem if the street width were only 35 feet. They would like to limit design restrictions to a 35-foot space so they do not have to redesign the facility. Past decisions have pre-empted some of the right-of-way in its original design. He would recommend the following process for examination of alternatives to vacating Willamette Street: 1) council directs the Civic Center Commission and staff to provide the council with some design alternatives showing Willamette Street open for vehicular traffic and alternatives showing Willamette Street closed; 2) the Civic Center Commission be authorized to commission a design professional, if necessary, to assist in the I process and that any extra funds required to do this be withdrawn from the bond interest earnings; 3) that the Civic Center Commission report back to the council with the information within 90 days; and 4) the council review these alternatives and decide on a course of action no later than November. This would not adversely affect the construction schedule providing that the existing construction is accepted and the analysis would be limited to a reduced-width street. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 8, 1981 Page 10