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

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The proposed amendments support this policy. The Chambers study area is one of38 areas identified in TransPlan as having potential for applying the nodal (mixed use) development strategy. The proposed amendments address one of several identified barriers to implementing the mixed use concept in the study area. The process of removing barriers to implementation of the mixed use concept is consistent with this policy. Transportation Policv F.2 Support application of the nodal development strategy in designated areas through information, technical assistance or incentives. The proposed amendments support this policy. The Chambers area received a technical assistance grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation to recommend code changes and for this mixed use area The Chambers Reconsidered process supported the application of the strategy through the development and dissemination of information and the provision of technical assistance. Transportation Policv F.3. Provide for transit-supportive land use patterns and development, including higher intensity, transit-oriented development along major transit corridors and near transit stations, medium-and high-density residential development within * mile of transit stations, major transit corridors, employment centers, and downtown areas; and development and redevelopment in designated areas that are or could be well served by existing or planned transit. The proposed amendments support this policy. The area is served by several transit routes to the north on 8th Avenue and to south on 11 th and 13th Avenues. Areas designated for medium and high- density residential development are well-served by existing transit lines. The amendments provide greater certainty that new development within the study area will be compatible with existing development thereby reducing neighborhood opposition to continued densification of the area. Transportation Policv FA. Require improvements that encourage transit, bicycles, and pedestrians in new commercial, public, mixed-use, and multi-unit residential development. The Chambers Reconsidered process included an Operational and Pedestrian Safety Analysis that recommends a number of operational improvements to study area intersections and streets for the purpose of improving conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Those street improvement recommendations have been forwarded to the City Council for consideration. Transportation Policv F.5 Within three years of Trans Plan adoption, apply the ND, Nodal Development, designation to areas selected by each jurisdiction, adopt and apply measures to protect designated nodes from incompatible development and adopt a schedule for completion of nodal plans and implementing ordinances. The proposed amendments support this policy. The Chambers study area is identified as a potential nodal area. Adoption of the Chambers Special Area zone works toward implementation of this policy although additional actions will ~e necessary to fully implement the policy. Exhibit A - 5