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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />May 13, 2019 <br />City of Eugene Planning and Development Department <br />Attention: Dana Bernard <br />99 W. 10th Ave. <br />Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> <br />Dear Dana Bernard: <br /> <br />I am writing to you in support of the Bennett Development Group’s (BDG) Ferry Street Manor MUPTE <br />application. As I’m sure you are aware, this project will support the City’s goals for more compact (read <br />vertical) housing in an area (downtown core) that is sorely in need of additional housing. Adding 50 <br />units of high-quality, desirable, market-rate and work force housing in this area will provide relief to <br />Eugene’s extremely tight housing market and the project’s location near public transportation, food <br />markets, restaurants, entertainment is ideal for attracting residents. <br />Fiscally, approving the MUPTE for this project now will allow the City to realize significant tax revenue <br />over the life of the building when the exemption expires. My understanding is that the tax revenue to <br />be realized exceeds $9 MM. This is far in excess of the revenue on the existing parking lot on the site <br />and, without the assistance of the MUPTE, this site will surely remain a parking lot for an extended <br />period given that the increase in constructions costs over the last two years has been dramatic and is <br />one of the main reasons that a MUPTE is needed to allow this project to pencil out. <br />I’d also like to highlight that the applicant, BDG, is a known and respected local entity with an easily <br />discoverable track record of ethically-run projects, savvy business acumen, and community -spirited <br />leadership. <br />Finally, I understand that the proposed project meets or exceeds all the criteria established to <br />qualify for a MUPTE. This, combined with the tangible and intangible benef its listed above, should <br />make the decision an easy one. I encourage you to recommend in the strongest terms possible the <br />approval of the Ferry Street Manor MUPTE application. <br />Thank you; <br /> <br />Jerry Harris <br />Environmental Consultant, Ret. <br />500 E. 36th Avenue <br />Eugene, OR 97405 <br />541 521-3966 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />September 11, 2019, Work Session – Item 1