07/27/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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have provided in the development of the Emerald Waterway concept using acadenic excellence with a com~itment to public service. They believe that further study . of the waterway is in the University's best interest as well as in the communi- ty's best interest, and they pledge institutional support and participation in such an effort. , Catherine Lauris, 1240 East 18th Avenue, stated that as a member of the, Execu- tlve Board of the Emerald Waterways Cltizens Committee, Inc., she urges the council to authorize the creation of a feasibility task force to work closely with the City Manager, the County, and Springfield to refine the data necessary to move the Emerald Canal closer to reality. The committee has completed enough ~reliminary studies, notably the Army Engineers Flood Control Study and the Solie-Ingle's Economic Impact Research, to be convinced that advantages will result from the canal as noted by previous speakers. Flood control and the safety of life and property, the quality of downtown, both aesthetically and economically, provision of a stimulus for the local economy and a complement on the south side of downtown for what the auditorium appear~ to be doing for the north side, and stimulus of construction of downtown resfBential areas which can protect low-rent housing that already exists in the area between downtown and campus are the main advantages that she sees. The committee is concerned that inexpensive housing will disappear, displacing students and the elderly. However, in light of the current depressed economy and the scarcity of pUblic funds, this may seem an unwise and impractical time to promote such a grand undertaking as is proposed. But, she feels this is an ideal time to make plans and to be ready to move when the economy ~oves again, or when public funds are available for local emplo~ent as was the case in San Antonio, Texas, where they have a canal through the center of their city and it is a tourist attraction. . The canal in San Antonio was planned in the Depression of the 1930s and public moneys were received to construct it. Dr. Robert Clark, 2105 Hubbard Lane, stated that he came to Eugene when the Millrace was a free-flowing stre~n that was clear and beautiful. The proposed canal could become a project that could beautify the city. In the first 75 years of the Millrace, it was used for practical purposes for industry. One millrace was phased out in the 1940s when Franklin Boulevard was constructed and a flood broke the diversion dam in the river and destroyed parts of the revet- ment wall, causing the stream to lose most of its beauty and utility. Fortu- nately, the University has been able to maintain a minimum flow of water through the old stream bed, both to protect the traditional aesthetic value of the Millrace and to provide water for cooling its heating plant. It is possible to join the aesthetic and the practical, the cultural, and the economic values to the great advantage of the city as would occur is this canal project were done. The first step is to create the Emerald Canal Feasibility Task Force to determine the facts and to see if the project is feasible. Jim Saul, 278 Eleanor, stated that Councilor Lindberg had outlined the essence of this project. The canal is a concept that has been presented and well- received by industry, individuals, institutions, and agencies. Substant i al questions remain whether it will become anything more than a concept. A task force would offer a vehicle to address the questions. He urges the council to adopt the process of creatinq the task force. . MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 27, 1981 Page 8