07/27/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

.- to be a quiet residential street. There are alternatives available. He feels . the second option is the better one. There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. Mr. Teitzel stated that the petition was submitted mainly by property owners from Todd Street with two owners on Ellen Street. It is a 64-percent petition, but less than 50 percent of the owners on Ellen Street want this to occur. Staff recommends that the council should award the project. Mr. Obie asked what percentage of those owners on Ellen Street requested the paving. Mr. Teitzel responded about 40 percent. The petition is from those east of Todd on Ellen Street. Ms. Schue stated that it is a priority with LRAPA for the City to pave gravel streets to reduce pollution. She asked how this project falls in their priority 1 i st. Mr. Teitzel stated that it is not on the list of streets which create significant impact. Ms. Schue asked if this is because it is such a short st reet . Mr. Teitzel responded that that is one reason; the other is the small amount of traffic. Mr. Obie stated that the council has looked closely at this project, and they are aware of the slope of the street. The arguments on both sides are valid. The street is existing and platted and that is a strong argument. The dust problem is also a good argument. However, the arguments on the other sides are more compelling. He feels the alternative of vacating the street and putting in . a bike path would solve the problem. The safety elements are real. The slope of Ellen for three blocks must be a concern whether the day is icy or not. The safety of children is important. Alternative routes are available. For going to the school; if a bike path were installed, children could be dropped off at Ellen Street and Todd. Those most directly affected on Ellen Street should be listened to. He would be in favor of option 3--paving Todd east of Ellen with a bike path between Todd and Coventry. Mr. Hamel stated he had gone on the tour this afternoon and College Hill and Spencer Butte both have steeper grades than this street. He feels the concerns of the City, LRAPA, and DEQ should be heeded and the street should be paved. Mr. Lindberg stated he does not feel it will make a really big difference if the street is paved or not. Although cars would increase from 200 to 500 per day, his street has 7,000 cars per day, and there are 17,000 cars per day on 18th. Either proposal increases safety concerns to some extent. The variation on time to get to school is minimal. He will vote with Councilor Obie since every neighborhood develops its own residents' habits of transit, and he sees no reason to develop streets to change residents. habits. He supports option 3. At a future date, this should be vacated to create a bikeway. Mr. Haws noted agreement with Mr. Obie and Mr. Lindberg on option 3. He feels the least should be done and that is option 3. He would support such a motion. Ms. Schue stated that she would like to see the street put through. She is not particularly impressed with the safety issue. Children can be taught to . walk on sidewalks, and schools can provide crossing guards. But City policy is MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 27, 1981 Page 15