Item B: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan

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10/11/05 Eugene Planning Commission c/o Carolyn Weiss City of Eugene Planning Division 99 W. 10th Avenue Eugene, OR 97401 October 11, 2005 Re: Charles Biggs' Opposition to the code amendments and refinement plan amendments: Eugene Parks Recreation & Open Space Comprehensive Plan (PROS) ( File Number CA 05-2, RA 05-1 Eugene Planning Commission members, The idea that a Comprehensive Plan can be adopted piece meal and given testimony in said fashion is very hard to understand. How can the public speak to a plan as a whole without reference to the pieces that are the ultimate objectives of said plan? To not be able to address the proposed projects and priorities to the strategies, actions, and management of the plan is counter productive. I object to splitting and dividing the Comprehensive Plan for Park and Recreation and Open Space into separate and different hearings andlor decision making processes. Gravel mining companies have literally reaped the benefits of Willamette Greenway and have virtually excluded all public access and enjoyment for long enough. The (Chapter IV 1-22) wording in the PROS Plan is too restrictive. There has been a long-term (mid 1970's Eugene Bicycle Master Plan) bicycle transportation and parks goal to extend the Willamette Greenway Bicycle System northward to Junction City and to loop to the east at the confluence of the McKenzie River to Co burg Road and beyond. Currently there are modest efforts that are community supported-Santa Clara Community Organization, Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon (CV ALCO), and Greater Eugene Areas Riders (GEAR) (See attachments) which may be halted or delayed to the point of uselessness, due to the proximity to Delta Sand & Gravel operating gravel mine. More ambitious similar type of bikeway system projects (#699 and #551) have been adopted regionally in the "2004 Regional Transportation Plan's" "Illustrative Bikeway System Projects" map (See attachment). General support of these projects can be seen in the (917/2004 to Diane Bishop) letter from CV ALCO, which states "the riverbank trails are the "crown jewels" to a well connected and popular bicycling network for visitors an residents alike". Likewise in the same letter, last paragraph states, " The riverbank trail system is an important destination in the Eugene and Springfield area and any extension or improvement will only make it more desirable". Page 1 of3