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<br />October 14, 2019, Work Session – Item 3 <br />Downtown Urban Renewal Related <br /> Town Square: The Town Square Concept Design has had broad community engagement in a process to establish a comprehensive vision for the Park Blocks, Farmers Market and City Hall. The design team, led by Cameron McCarthy, worked with key stakeholders and other community members to reach a design that a) increases the Town Square’s accessibility, safety, sense of inclusiveness, and functionality, and that b) can meet the needs of our two signature Markets as well as that of other performers, neighbors and visitors. The project budget and funding plan need further discussion and staff is exploring opportunities to leverage urban renewal funds to achieve a Town Square with the quality and features befitting this legacy project in the heart of our downtown. Staff will present the design and discuss next steps at the October 30 work session. <br /> Downtown Wayfinding: Eugene's downtown wayfinding project will provide consistent and clear information to assist the traveling public to efficiently navigate to key destinations within our urban core. The wayfinding plan will help create a positive first impression of Eugene that will enhance and reflect the distinctive and creative character of our community. Implementation of the wayfinding project started this fiscal year with resources from the General Fund, Parking Fund, and a small amount of Riverfront Urban Renewal. Additional funds need to be secured to meet the project completion target of June 2020. Downtown Urban Renewal funds have been identified as a potential source. Staff anticipate bringing this item back for council consideration once decisions have been made on other eligible parks, plaza and open space projects. <br /> 1059 Willamette: The former downtown campus for Lane Community College, 1059 Willamette, is currently vacant and identified as a redevelopment opportunity in the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. Strategically located across from Lane Transit District’s Eugene Station, redevelopment of the property has the potential to significantly improve the streetscape and add vibrancy and positive activity on a key block in the heart of downtown. Staff is exploring the use of Community Development Block Grant funds to purchase the property for residential development. In order to make the project financially viable, we are anticipating a mix of moderate-income and market rate housing. When using CDBG funds, the Department of Housing and Urban Development stipulates that 51 percent of units must be affordable for those making 80 percent or less of the area median income. This type of project is innovative and will likely require collaboration between the City, an interested developer, and an affordable housing service provider. Purchasing the building from LCC will need to happen prior to any formal agreements for future development. Council approval is required prior to exercising the Purchase Option on the property. Additionally, any use of urban renewal dollars requires an initial council review, a public hearing, and a second review prior to a final decision. Staff anticipate bringing those action items to council at the beginning of 2020. <br /> Kesey Square: There is the potential to invest in improvements to Kesey Square that preserve the public’s access to this treasured open space and facilitate more sustained, positive activity at the intersection of Willamette and Broadway. Staff are actively engaged with the property owner of 941 Willamette to identify potential tenants for uses that would contribute positive