CC Minutes - 05/29/02 JEO - Laserfiche WebLink

Metadata

Thumbnails

Annotations

Linda Swisher, 3285 Bell Avenue, Eugene, opposed the parkway because of the impact of the parkway on the wetlands. She noted the historic loss of wetlands and called for maintenance of local natural systems. She called for control of "runaway sprawl." She submitted materials regarding a plant she studied in the wetlands, timwort, which she said was rare and endangered. She had found several plants growing in the path of the parkway, and said they were an irreplaceable part of the environment. Cindy Catto, 4590 Commerce, Suite 200, Wilsonville, representing the Associated General Contractors, expressed the association's support for the parkway. She said the association believed the project was necessary. The findings prepared by staff demonstrated overwhelming evidence in support of the parkway. She noted the November 2001 vote in favor of the parkway. Ms. Kato asked that the amendments move forward as the best utilization of State funding, funding which was desired by Oregon communities elsewhere. Rob Zako, 1280-B East 28th Avenue, Eugene, submitted information regarding the parkway project costs. He noted the voters approved a ballot measure authorizing the amendments to go forward, not the parkway itself. He opposed the amendments because related projects were delayed and needed connections would not be built. He said there was not enough money in TransPlan to build all the needed projects. He believed that Beltline/I-5 was a higher community priority. Ron Farmer, 3330 Bardell Avenue, Eugene, supported the parkway. He said the majority of voters did not support the arguments offered by opponents to the WEP. He asked the adopting officials to approve the amendments and respect the vote. He said the hearing should be about how to carry out the voters' intent, rather than use technical arguments to thwart the will of the people. He said that the argument the vote was close flies in the face of the principles the country was built upon. He noted the close margins for the fire and library measures and asked if the reaction would be the same. He said the voters were not informed that their vote was advisory. Becky Steckler, 2424 High Street, Eugene, opposed the amendments because she did not think they met the goals of TransPlan in terms of an integrated land use/transportation system, quality of life and economic opportunities, safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainability. She maintained that the parkway was in violation of Oregon's land use laws, and the project should be evaluated against existing criteria and existing plans. Scott Olson, 411 High Street, Eugene, supported the parkway because it was needed and appropriate infrastructure. He believed the findings prepared by staff were adequate to support the amendments. Mayor Torrey called for a ten-minute recess. Following the recess, testimony recommenced. Jan Spencer, 212 Benjamin Street, Eugene, noted national projections of road congestion even if more capacity was built. He believed the parkway was in conflict with numerous State planning goals. He said the Oregon Highway Plan identified new road construction as a last priority. He believed insufficient alternatives that had been studied for the parkway. An analysis of alternatives should take into account changes made to land use planning in the community. The parkway did not respond to the new needs. He said people drive more at the periphery because they have farther to go to get where they need. Those people need better services where they live. He said that Eugene's nearby communities should foster economic development so residents can work there. Mr. Spencer submitted written testimony. MINUTES--Joint Adopting Officials May 29, 2002 Page 6