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

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Ms. Bishow noted the commission supported allowing drive-through facilities, but in a limited manner. Continuing, Ms. Bishow highlighted the commission's recommendation to change the zoning concurrent with the plan amendments. Ms. Bishow submitted into the record a letter of support written by Stacy Mount. Ms. Bishow explained that following the public hearing, staff hoped the council would provide direction on whether the ordinance could be presented for final action on October 22 or whether the council preferred to use that time as a work session and take action on November 10. In closing, Ms. Bishow introduced Gary McNeel, transportation analyst for the Public Works Department, and commended him for extending himself during the negotiations and for helping the City, ODOT, and the developer reach agreement. Mayor Torrey outlined the procedure for the hearing. He called for the applicant's testimony, followed by testimony in support of the ordinance. Justin Wright, 722 Country Club Road, associate planner with Arlie and Company, stated that the 39-acre site had been purchased from PeaceHealth in January 2002. He said the company wanted to develop a ~world-class, pedestrian-friendly nodal village." He noted that Crescent Village development had been in the design phase for 19 months and, initially, City staff had difficulty providing Arlie and Company with direction needed for the land use process, nearly leading to the termination of the project. He credited Teresa Bishow for her help in moving the project forward. He reminded those present that the Coburg/Crescent area was master-planned by Jim Saul and, though the area had not developed exactly as Mr. Saul had prescribed, the design of Crescent Village was similar to his overall vision. He discussed the constraints that had shaped the design, including the City's designation of the 39-acre as HDR. He said that, as a result, the company had worked closely with neighbors to find an acceptable level of density and an appropriate range of uses. He felt that Arlie and Company had done its very best to negotiate through the City's land use process, design a village that was compatible with surrounding uses, while meeting smart growth principles. He stated that the adoption of the ordinance before the council would provide the policy framework to allow the Crescent Village planned unit development (PUD) to proceed. He added that he would be followed by Jim Hanks, from JRH Engineering, who for this project acted as pedestrian and vehicle engineer. Jim Hanks, 3672 River Pointe Drive, stated that the Crescent Village nodal site would put essential services within walking distance of residential areas. He projected that this would allow families residing east of Gilham Road to shop, visit restaurants, and work, without having to travel through the Beltline Road interchanges. He felt this would reduce the total number of and length of automobile trips from this area. He noted that initially there had been concern that the development would adversely affect the transportation system surrounding it. He stated that, through close work with ODOT and City staff, a solution had been reached that entailed having a land use limitation on the property that assured the traffic impacts coming from the project would not exceed that of the existing zoning. He commented that it may be necessary in the future to widen the intersection of Coburg Road and Crescent Avenue and that Arlie and Company had pledged to contribute its fair share for the project when the time came. MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 13, 2003 Page 7 Regular Meeting