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

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I THE CASE FOR OLDER TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOODS IN EUGENE Like most cities its age and size, Eugene has substantial remnants of older residential neighborhoods that have architectural character and patterns of development unique to pre-World War II housing development. The East Traditional Neighborhood (ETN) in the Chambers area is an example of one such neighborhood that emerged and matured before cuI-de sacs, driveways, garages, and car-dominated suburbs became the norm. Most of the houses were built within recognizable stylistic traditions, from a limited set of period pattern books, and by builders who had a good grasp of proportion and detail. In some of these neighborhoods the homes are large and stately; while in the ETN they are modest and even cottage-like. There is consistency, but also subtle variety that is often lacking in newer housing developments. What is most distinctive about the ETN and other older neighborhoods is not the historic character of any particular house, but the overall pattern of streets and alleys, the architectural coherence of housing stock, and the way that houses and streets work together to create a unique sense of community. Having emerged early in the city's formation, the ETN and other older neighborhoods tend to be close to the downtown core. Some are zoned for higher densities and are targets for redevelopment or infill development that could introduce new development patterns, non-residential uses, and lower quality rental housing. Today's "building culture"-the conventional building practices, codes, materials, and desired forms of housing-has changed dramatically since the time when these neighborhoods were built. The perceived need 111 I Typical street scene in the East Traditional Neighborhood (ETN) with a full canopy of mature trees. House in the University area, a well recognized older traditional neighborhood that has also struggled with changes. .