Item 8: Ordinance Establishing Chambers Special Area Zone

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element in maintaining the "pedestrian-friendly" quality ofW. 8th, 11th, and 13th Aves" and Polk Street. In contrast, the sidewalk along the east side of Chambers Street puts pedestrians within a few feet of constant, fast-moving traffic which creates an inhospitable pedestrian environment. Lot development Most lots are developed individually, as single-family houses or with two to four units in different configurations (e.g" duplex, house with a detached dwelling unit, etc,). However, there are four unique and atypical developments: · Eugene Hearing & Speech Center, 1050 W. 12th Ave. is a medical clinic occupying the second largest R...2 lot in the area (53,720 sf). This lot is not likely to be redeveloped as residential in the foreseeable future. It lies to the north and west of the large Springtree Apartment complex (see next item) and south of the established traditional residential area. The property is well maintained and provides a stable adjacent development to the residential neighborhood. · Springtree Apartments, 1475 W. 13th Ave. This is a 128-unit multi-family apartment complex on the largest R-210t in the area (125,658 sf). A set of about ten 2-story buildings contains 4 to 24 units each. There is no other development in the CR R-2 area that has a similar scale and configuration. The development lies south and west of the established "traditional" residential area. Although this development isn't truly part of the established traditional residential neighborhood, the development is well maintained and well buffered on the sides adjacent to the residential neighborhood. As such, it provides a stable transition from the mostly single-family neighborhood to the non-residential areas to the south and west. Evidence that Springtree doesn't have a negative impact on the traditional neighborhood can be seen in the three houses in "healthy" condition on lots adjacent to the Springtree's eastern boundary. · An IS-unit, triplex apartment development on the south side of the 1600 block of W. Broadway, just east of Chambers Street. This complex was built on 6 lots (45,212 sf) that had their boundaries "gerrymandered" (including 8.33' street frontage for three lots) to create a large, totally-paved vehicle circulation area in the center of the development. The apartments are all triplexes with living space above open carports that face on the paved interior area. There is no orientation to W. Broadway nor any relationship to the surrounding residential neighborhood. There is no other development in the CR R-2 area that has a similar scale and configuration as this development. · The "Eco Village" on the north side of the 1500-1600 block ofW. Broadway; encompassing approximately 60% of the frontage west of Almaden Street. This complex spans five adjacent lots (37,297 sf) two ofwhich have also been November 1, 2005 Chambers Revisited - Neighbors' Report 32