CC Minutes - 06/16/08 Work Session/Public Hearing

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th Mike Westervelt, 853 East 20 Avenue, had attended a recent Planning Commission meeting and was dismayed by the proposals of some contractors and the HBA’s proposals to degrade the healthy, compact, close-in neighborhood of the South University Neighborhood (SUN). The neighbors had recently been portrayed as those who would deny various building contractors and real estate agents a way to make a living, which was not true. The neighborhood was already 50 percent rentals. The proposal would afford developers and others involved the opportunity to build structures ranging from three to twelve stories. Fortunately, most builders stopped at three or four stories, but the neighbors were trying to prevent the renegade builder who wanted to build the inappropriate ten- or twelve-story building. This would take place in an area that could still easily add thousands of residents. Single-family residences should not be subject to the negative repercussions of twelve-story buildings. The R-4 loophole in the neighborhood was th designated in the 1940’s to accommodate fraternities and sororities on 19 Avenue and clearly did not mean what R-4 meant today. South University residents had made it abundantly clear throughout the process that they were not in favor of zero growth, and realized the sustainability, “walkabilty” and “bikeability” benefits of living close-in. They believed appropriately managed infill growth benefited everyone, including the residents, City, UGB, environment, and University. He said many similar neighborhoods throughout the country had been destroyed by decisions such as the current proposals and asked why Eugene should follow that lead. Reading from a 2006 letter from Planning Commissioner Rick Duncan to then City Councilor David Kelly, Mr. Westervelt said, “Sometimes the government does not make correct decisions when it comes to land use. Because incorrect decisions are made, property owners should not be penalized until such time that a city could afford to change that action.” Residents of the SUN should not be penalized by deferring action on the proposed amendments. He asked the City Council to make the SUN a model of what an historic, livable neighborhood could be in times of density growth by passing the MICAPs including an amended version of Amendment 5. Doug Weber, 1330 Flintridge Avenue, spoke against passing MICAP, particularly parking and density in south Eugene neighborhoods. He had previously e-mailed his comments to the councilors. Changing zoning created multiple impacts on residents, the planning process, and property values. He referred to a recent article in the Register Guard and the shortage of housing for this year’s incoming freshman class at the University. Increased density and accompanying height to attain those densities could not be reconciled with older neighborhoods. Amendment 8 regarding drainage in River Road/Santa Clara (RR/SC) was unnecessary and potentially dangerous. The only option to most people in that area was a stormwater disposal system that would percolate water into the ground. The State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) had made the use of dry wells difficult and expensive, when allowed. He asked what would prevent DEQ from forbidding these systems next year. Another problem with the amendment was lack of an accurate drainage way. The definition needed to be changed. Marilyn Milne, 2156 Harris Avenue, Ward 3, president of the SUNA, submitted a statement on behalf of the SUNA Board of Directors. The neighborhood was an established neighborhood with a mix of housing stock that was walkable and had a good elementary school. The SUN was currently in a precarious situation due to old zoning changes that undermined the current livability of the neighborhood. In the 1984’s, the Greek system received approval to construct R-4 housing near campus. R-4 was limited to three- and four-story buildings at that time. In the 1960’s the R-4 height jumped to 120 feet, the equivalent of ten- to twelve-story buildings. SUNA was formed in 1974, thus had no role in the 1960’s changes. th Both longtime and newer residents were surprised to learn about the current allowable height on 18 and th 19 Avenues. In addition to the building heights, the height jumped from R-1 single family to R-3 and R-4 MINUTES—Eugene City Council June 16, 2008 Page 7 Work Session