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vote, 6:0. 4. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Amending the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan Diagram and the Willakenzie Area Plan Diagram and Text; Amending the Eugene Zoning Map and the Eugene Overlay Zone map; Amending Sections 9.2741, 9.4280 and 9.9700 of the Eugene Code, 1971; Adopting a Severability Clause; and Providing an Effec- tive Date (City Files: MA 03-1, RA 03-2, CA 03-2, and Z 03-3) Mayor Torrey opened the public hearing and asked councilors to disclose any conflicts of interest, ex parte contacts and biases, abstentions or challenges to impartiality pursuant to Eugene Code 9.7056. Mayor Torrey pointed out that he had engaged in "passing conversations" regarding the issues before the council. City Attorney Glenn Klein responded that this did not create an issue. City Manager Dennis Taylor introduced the new Planning Director, Susan Muir. He welcomed her to the City. Mr. Taylor asked Teresa Bishow, senior planner, to present the topic before the council. Ms. Bishow explained that before the council was a draft ordinance designed to provide the policy and regulatory framework for a proposed Mixed-Use development known as Crescent Village. She felt this to be an important step toward achieving the council goal of creating urban villages throughout Eugene that will foster sustainable community growth and change. She related the Eugene Planning Commission had recommended unanimous approval of the amendment to the Metro Plan, Willakenzie Area Plan, the zoning and overlay zone maps, and the land use code. The commission's recommendation was based on the broad goal of providing the policy framework for the proposed mixed-use project. Ms. Bishow briefly summarized the approval criteria, noting that an evaluation of the criteria was contained in the Planning Division staff report on page 124 of the council agenda packet. She stressed that all testimony, in order to be considered, must be directed towards the approval criteria, and failure to raise an issue with sufficient specificity to allow the council or parties to respond would preclude appeal on that issue. Regarding the Planning Commission recommendation, Ms. Bishow said the commission had supported an increase in the mix of uses allowed in the Crescent Avenue node. She explained that currently 27 percent of the land within the node was zoned for high density residential development (HDR), while only three percent was zoned for office or community commercial uses. She stated that the ordinance, if approved, would increase the amount of land available for commercial activity, but would still contain sufficient area for high density housing. The proposed Crescent Village conatins approximately 630 new dwellings. She further stated that the Planning Commission had supported changes in the Willakenzie Area Plan that would allow a mixed-use project including high density housing, but at a level that mitigated traffic. She referenced the table listed on page 89 of the council agenda packet. Ms. Bishow pointed out the letter of support from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on page 315 of the council agenda packet. MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 13, 2003 Page 6 Regular Meeting