CC Minutes - 05/10/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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V. PUBLIC HEAR1NG AND REQUESTED ACTION ON: AN ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF WEST 4TM AVENUE LOCATED WEST OF ALMADEN STREET AND EAST OF FILMORE STREET (A & K DEVELOPMENT-SV 99-1) City Manager Jim Johnson introduced the topic and indicated staff was prepared to make a presentation at the council's pleasure. The council preferred to move forward with the public hearing. Mayor Torrey opened the public hearing. Dong Wade, 126 Arbor Drive, Eugene, identified himself as the owner of the property at 414- 416 Almaden, which abuts the A & K Development site for which a vacation is requested. He indicated that all the problems he had raised earlier with the City have been addressed and resolved by the developer and his attorney. He said he wished to withdraw his earlier objections and urged the council to approve the vacation. Paula Rustan, 1358 West 4th Avenue, Eugene, said she supported A & K's request, the second of two requests by the company. She noted that neighbors raised issues about traffic in the earlier request and the developer addressed those concerns to everyone's satisfaction. Ms. Rustan reported on a neighborhood meeting that generated a list of issues with regard to the current request and the developer and his attorney have satisfactorily addressed those concerns. She noted that the full text of her statement could be found in her May 10, 1999, letter submitted to the Mayor and Council prior to this meeting. Catherine Davenport, 1338 West 4th Avenue, Eugene, called attention to written testimony distributed at the beginning of the meeting, noting it had been signed by 24 neighbors. Ms. Davenport indicated that neighbors had initially objected to the process rather than the issues. She thanked City staff, the developer and his representatives for the efficient and sensitive manner in handling the request. JoAnn deFelice, 1375 West 5th Avenue, Eugene, said she supported A & K's request and asked all parties to continue to work closely to ensure that agreements among the parties are kept. Seeing no others wishing to speak, Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing. Mr. Meisner highlighted the issue as a great example of the "best neighborhood organization" he had ever seen, noting that a few neighborhood leaders organized about 87 people in "a positive, collaborative way." He also credited the developer, Ron Anderson for his part. He said he supported the request and was prepared to vote on the matter this evening. Mr. Lee echoed Mr. Meisner's comments. Minutes--Eugene City Council May 10, 1999 Page 4 7:30 p.m.