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could be called a mixed-use center or a node. Mr. Lowe responded that an employment center had daily activity with the people who work there, i.e., restaurants, banks. He commented that a broad plan to include employment, shopping, and entertainment environments would result in diversity of services. Mr. Lowe added that discussions around such a plan would then ensue to debate the pros and cons. Ms. Taylor argued that such an area should not be labeled a mixed-use center. Mr. Lowe noted the City Council had asked that the program be “fixed” and that staff interpreted that direction broadly. It reviewed, and will continue to review, all the elements of the program to ascertain what was not tenable and craft solutions and/or approaches to improve accordingly. He added that one of those components under review was in the “naming” of the various elements and staff created techniques to differentiate between different types of areas. Ms. Taylor concurred there should be differences in nodes; however, she reiterated that an employment center was not a mixed-use center. She suggested that the City Council take action on staff’s proposed plan regarding these centers. Mr. Poling stated that when done correctly, mixed-use development was a viable product. He pointed out that residents were fighting to save their neighborhoods. An increase in density was the right approach at this time and will protect the integrity of the various neighborhoods. Mr. Papé commented that the first rule was “do no harm” which he said the City was attempting to accomplish. He thanked the Planning Commission members in the audience for the exemplary work they put forth toward this project. Mr. Papé recognized that there were many unique areas throughout Eugene and customizing the mixed-use concept will result in a fine product. He noted that the West University neighborhood has densified with renters, students, conversions, and apartments and hoped that future densification will be handled in a different manner. Mr. Papé pointed out that opportunity siting was one aspect of mixed-use zoning, but a broader direction was required and urged staff to move the project in the direction the Planning Commission recommends. Ms. Bettman, seconded by, Mr. Poling, moved to direct the City Manager to incorporate opportunity siting as described in the July 19, 2005, email to the Mayor and City Council as a primary strategy for achieving density targets in mixed-use centers. Ms. Bettman thanked the Planning Commission, staff, and colleagues for their willingness to embrace innovation and look for new ways to accomplish the goals set forth. Mr. Kelly, in agreement with Mr. Poling, offered a friendly amendment to request that opportunity siting be combined with citywide estimates of future population which will be approximately allocated to mixed use districts and other areas in the city. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Bettman, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to direct the City Manager to schedule a joint work session with the Planning Commission in October 2005 for more policy discussion. MINUTES—Eugene City Council July 20, 2005 Page 7 Work Session