Item 1: Ordinance Authorizing Use of Eminent Domain to Acquire Property Near Amazon Creek Headwaters

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ATTACHMENT D Public Works Parks and Open Space Division City of Eugene 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard M Eugene, Oregon 97402 EMORANDUM (541) 682-4800 (541) 682-4882 FAX www.eugene-or.gov/parks Date: May 4, 2007 To: Johnny, Medlin, Parks and Open Space Division Director From: Carolyn Weiss, Parks and Open Space Planning Manager Subject: Ridgeline Park System: Assessment of Potential Property Acquisitions City Council is considering using eminent domain to acquire two properties located along the headwaters of Amazon Creek. This memo is written to provide information from a “parks” perspective on the value of these two properties. The Beverly property consists of approximately 26 acres located south of Martin Street, between City owned parkland and right of way for West Amazon Drive. The property consists of a stream corridor, wetlands, and a fir forest. The Green property consists of approximately 40 acres along Dillard Road and south of existing Ridgeline Parkland. The property consists of steep terrain, headwater streams, wetlands, and a fir forest. Acquisition of these sites would be beneficial as natural areas for the values of water quality and wildlife habitat protection. Because Ridgeline Trail connectivity is already provided in this area, recreational trails values would not be significantly increased as a result of the acquisitions. Policy Direction The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan, Strategy I-25 on pg. 54, identifies willing sellers as the preferred acquisition approach. “I-25 Identify and pursue opportunities with willing sellers as the preferred approach when evaluating parkland and natural open space acquisition options. Consider willingness of seller as a key criterion when prioritizing acquisition opportunities.” Funding The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Project and Priority Plan calls for acquiring 50 additional acres of Amazon Creek Headwaters as a Priority 1 project. It assumed that property could be obtained at raw land values. The funding plan estimated an acquisition cost of $765,000 in 2004 with approximately 25% of the total coming from external funding partners (grants).