CC Minutes - 07/14/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Meisner said the committee's representation was well-balance and it was a pleasure to work on the project. Mr. Meisner moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to accept the report of the North End Scoping Group. Mr. Kelly thanked the committee for its work, saying that the vision was exactly what he wanted. He asked for clarification of the word "accept" in the motion. Mr. Meisner responded that the motion asks the council to receive the report, but not the approval of the report as a set of policies which are automatically to be implemented. Ms. Nathanson called attention to the summary of next steps, which include work programs for the project that may be modified by the council as it sees fit. Mr. Kelly continued saying he was particularly pleased with 1) the encouragement of downtown housing, 2) implementing design standards, 3) plans for street and public places, and 4) pedestrian connections to the river. He asked if the proposed downtown shuttle would encompass a route that touched the edge of the University campus. Mr. Meisner responded that it would be included in some form or other. Mr. Kelly said he assumed that any structured parking or "public/private projects" mentioned in the report would come before the council for approval. Mr. Johnson confirmed those would come before the council even before the capital improvement project (CIP) process. Mr. Kelly expressed concern about funding for the train station and asked what latitude there was for expenditure of City funds towards the acquisition and the implications of that should the Legislature withdraw its support. Ms. Taylor expressed support for City acquisition of the train station, highlighting the need for loading/unloading zones and long-term parking. She wondered if there had been any discussion about narrowing 6th and 7th avenues and widening the sidewalks. Ms. Nathanson said there had been some discussion about allowing parking in one lane except for two hours in the morning and afternoon during the daily commute. Mr. Farr said he was impressed with the group's work, particularly the report's re-utilization of parts of the community that are not working. He was pleased to see cooperation between the district judge and federal representatives and the local jurisdictions in planning the new courthouse. Mr. Farr said he especially liked the performing arts venues mentioned. Mr. Rayor thanked the group for its work, pointing out some weaknesses: relegating support for "keeping views of the butte open" to the footnote on page 7; including funding mechanisms for structured parking in the document and thus codifying it; including the "story" in the document (Mr. Rayor suggested moving the story to the Appendix); and not emphasizing street trees along with street widening. Mr. Pap~ gave the committee accolades for its work, saying he was particularly excited about street retail and parking. He also cited the need for parking around the station or at minimum a shuttle to nearby parking if high speed rail was realized. He said he believed the City should own the train station but questioned its historic designation. Mr. Pap~ said he preferred pedestrian overpasses for connectivity across 6th and 7th avenues over narrowing. With regard to the federal courthouse, he said he did not see the emphasis on federal cooperation inconsistent with the recommendations for openness and accessibility. Mr. Lee said he appreciated the way Ms. Nathanson and Mr. Meisner were able to capture the opportunity to include the train station in the project. Minutes--Eugene City Council July 14, 1999 Page 4 5:30 p.m.