CC Minutes - 10/13/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Torrey called for testimony in opposition. Lauri Segal, 120 West Broadway Street, spoke on behalf of 1,000 Friends of Oregon. She commented that she was not really opposed to the development. She was, however, concerned that ODOT was using trip caps to find ways to approve development projects. She related that currently there were three projects with approval based partly on trip caps. She asserted there was no evidence that trip caps actually worked. She felt it would be useful to see an effective application of trip caps prior to habitually attaching trip cap methodology to development proposals. Ms. Segal remarked that another issue was the coordination of land use and planning. She said there was a ;;huge" list of transportation projects that could not be funded in the biennium schedule and, as such, funding for the Chad Drive project was not assured. Ms. Segal also expressed concern about how much parking was being accommodated for. She said the changes to the Willakenzie Plan allow for higher impact uses. Mayor Torrey called for staff response to the testimony. Ms. Bishow reiterated staff's recommendation for approval of the ordinance. Mayor Torrey called for the applicant's response to testimony. Mr. Reed thanked Mr. Biggs for his support. He also thanked 1,000 Friends of Oregon and Lauri Segal. He agreed with Mr. Stouffer that the Chad Drive project should remain a high priority transportation project. Regarding a concern voiced by Ms. Segal on trip caps, Mr. Reed stated that the current zoning, R-4, could easily allow up to 1,200 units to be built on the property, but Arlie and Company had planned to build approximately 630 dwelling units. He said it was the first time the land use cap was being used, something that was provided for in the transportation planning rule at the State level. He related that this cap was the tool that provided for the agreement reached by the developer and ODOT. In response to a question from Mayor Torrey, City Attorney Klein recommended, because no request to keep the record open, that the record and hearing be closed at this time. Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing. He stated that the record would be closed as well. Councilor Bettman objected. She asserted that her questions and comments would not be included in the record. Mr. Klein explained that the questions from councilors and answers would be in the record that would become a part of testimony should an appeal be filed before the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). He clarified that the closing of the record referred to specific evidence that could support findings of fact. He stated that, in land use matters, there were often questions from the council and responses from staff, based on evidence provided during the public hearing. Councilor Bettman alleged that questions from councilors had, in recent times, actually resulted in changes MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 13, 2003 Page 10 Regular Meeting