CC MInutes - 07/20/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Kelly thanked Mr. Lowe for the comprehensive background materials and subsequent presentation. He stated he remains committed to mixed-use development and densification. Mr. Kelly believed that the more economical approach and quality of life was density; however, he stressed that this direction needs to done right. He opined that part of the problem with this project has been the lack of political will, and noted the slow progress to date. Mr. Kelly said, however, that the Land Use Code Update changed the direction in a positive way to facilitate the sort of development under discussion. In conclusion, Mr. Kelly stated that opportunity siting provided staff with a focused direction from the council and was critical for on-the-ground change and community participation. Ms. Bettman concurred with the comments expressed by Mr. Kelly and stated she could endorse the process to move forward but could not endorse the general scope of the program. She asked staff to define a “mixed-use center” and a “mixed-use zone.” Mr. Lowe responded that the “zone” was the specific tool utilized to create the center; the “center” was the physical manifestation. Ms. Bettman noted that the original concept for mixed-use centers was based on transit-oriented development and a requirement of those centers was frequent transit service. She pointed out that currently, the Lane Transit District (LTD) has cut back on transit service and focused on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); therefore, she pointed out that the centers would not realize such transit service for many decades. Ms. Bettman urged that staff focus on the changed realities as the process moved forward and to develop a practical model for the next 10-20 years. She opined that adding density to a mixed-used center without frequent transit service was counter- productive to the City’s goals. Mr. Pryor asked for clarification from Ms. Bettman if it was her wish that opportunity siting be incorporated, or substituted, into some of the substantive work. Ms. Bettman replied that opportunity siting would be used as a primary tool for achieving density. She elaborated that rather than zoning an entire residential area as a way to achieve density, the density would be achieved by opportunity siting. Mr. Pryor surmised that staff already recognized and would incorporate into the neighborhood development strategy such a component. (It was noted that staff would make a presentation on how this strategy could be achieved at an upcoming City Council work session.) In response to a question from Mayor Piercy, Mr. Lowe replied that how to achieve density and maintain the quality of existing neighborhoods would be carefully considered. He explained that discovery of how to satisfy some of the fundamentals of services, open space, types of housing, affordability will result in a very rich mix. Mayor Piercy thanked staff for presenting this issue to the neighborhoods. She specifically praised the Whiteaker neighborhood for setting a fine example to other neighborhoods on achieving mixed-uses effectively. Ms. Taylor stated that the current density proposals were inappropriate in many areas of Eugene. She urged staff to consider such density in suitable areas only. Ms. Taylor pointed out that houses were being built on vacant lots that were totally out of character with the neighborhood. She then turned to the employment and commercial centers and pointed out that these centers continue to be under discussion. Ms. Taylor questioned how an employment or commercial zone MINUTES—Eugene City Council July 20, 2005 Page 6 Work Session