Item B: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan

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ATTACHMENT C Response to Comments and Questions from October 10th, 2005, Work Session and October 11th, 2005, Public Hearing Planning Commission Questions and Requests: 1. Does the acquisition of land outside of the Urban Growth Boundary for parks, developed or natural, qualify as an extension of urban services and therefore require a UGB expansion? Staff Response: The PROS Comprehensive Plan does not acquire any land, inside or outside of the UGB, for park use. If, however, the City chooses to acquire property for park use outside of the UGB, such acquisition would not necessarily require a UGB expansion. Currently, the City of Eugene can, and does, own property outside of its city limits and urban growth boundary. For example, the Eugene Airport and many segments of the Ridgeline Park system are located outside of the City's limits. When acquiring and developing property that lies outside of Eugene's jurisdiction, the City is required to follow the zoning and land use regulations of the appropriate governing jurisdictions. When identifying parcels for park acquisition, the preference is on obtaining properties that are in close proximity to residents, and therefore within Eugene's UGB. However, there are some instances when it may become necessary to look outside of the UGB. For example, it is a goal of the PROS Comprehensive Plan to provide a variety of outdoor experiences for Eugene residents, including the rural, natural qualities that one encounters in the Ridgeline Park system. Additionally, there may be times when the type and size of parcels which are sought to provide specific park services are not available within the UGB because of previous development. Although the provision of parks, open space and recreation services is a valuable service, it does not always trigger a UGB expansion, as in the case of the Eugene Airport. 2. Questions related to the PROS Comprehensive Plan's effect on the buildable lands inventory. How does the increase from a target of 8.1 acres per thousand to 20 acres per thousand affect the buildable lands inventory? Will the proposed additional 1,300 acres of land come from inside the UGB? . . Staff Response: The PROS Comprehensive Plan does not change the zoning, designation or allowed uses on any properties. While the PROS Comprehensive Plan does include strategies to provide a certain amount of park acreage per 1,000 residents and identifies the need to acquire property for park use, it does Attachment A October 31, 2005 Page 1