Item 5: Public Hearing on Ordinance Establishing Chambers Special Area Zone

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Testimony in Support of the Proposed Chambers Special Area Zone November 4, 2005 Page Two Just as importantly, because many neighbors personally walked the streets and recorded their observations on infill impacts, we developed a much broader shared understanding of our neighborhood's essential character and the true nature of infill impacts. This type of direct education formed the foundation for many hours of productive discussion that led to the precise description of infill impacts and a broadly understood and supported proposal for infill standards that were presented in our "Neighbors' Report." Although at times our firm confidence in the standards that we neighbors recommended may have frustrated Planning staff and the project consultants, we're convinced that our determination to educate staff and the Planning Commission has ultimately resulted in proposed code that is, as Planning Commission Chairman Lawless said, "beautifully crafted. " The hours of hands-on work by residents who will be directly affected by the standards also resulted in very practical, thoroughly vetted code that has garnered widespread support outside the neighborhood, as well. Other Eugene residents and organizations recognize the proposed standards weren't just derived from abstract planning concepts- these standards reflect a pragmatic approach that will actually work to accomplish Eugene's complimentary goals of compact growth and healthy neighborhoods. During the public process, there were a number of times when some neighbors got disheartened, especially last April when Planning staff prematurely shut the door on further, genuine involvement by residents. This was a low point, when many informal citizen groups might have spun apart. But the people who volunteered for the CAFHN Steering Committee stepped up to the challenge and talked with neighbors to keep them informed and engaged despite the lack of progress. The result was a huge turnout at the Planning Commission public hearing that helped turn the tide and - with instrumental support from Chairman Lawless - get staff back working with residents for a successful culmination of the project. Throughout this process, even at the most frustrating times, residents have resisted the temptation to step out of the process and start hurling brickbats, as so often happens in Eugene. Gary Pape paid us all the best compliment by admiring or "dogged and diplomatic" approach. Those two qualities are also what I admire about my neighbors' participation in the Chambers Revisited project. Regardless of the outcome, I've been heartened by the experience of working with my neighbors and friends on this project, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you for the encouragement you've provided us throughout the year and for your careful consideration of the proposed Chambers Special Area Zone. Paul Conte 1461 W. 10th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 344-4546