Item 8: Ordinance Establishing Chambers Special Area Zone

Home Browse Search

TESTIMONY City Council Public Hearing - November 14,2005 Chambers Special Area Zone My name is Janice Gotchall. I've lived at 1461 W. 10th Ave. since 1986, and I'm a member of CAFHN. Residents and staff have produced an extraordinary volume of supporting information for the development standards included in the proposed Chambers Special Area Zone. This shouldn't be surprising because the need for such standards was clearly identified in two prior attempts by the City to create a Chambers "node" or mixed-use center. The 1999 Chambers Node project ended without agreement because neighbors felt the proposed plan didn't adequately address critical issues of compatibility, neighborhood character, and development scale. The 2002 attempt to impose a poorly conceived, one-size-fits-all, IND overlay zone in the Chambers area and other neighborhoods was rejected by City CounciL In addition, this heavy- handed approach deepened residents' opposition to any nodal development plan that ignores metro and local land use policies to maintain the character and stability of established neighborhoods. Last fall, the City made it's third attempt at a Chambers MUC. But this time Planning staff made clear the "Chambers Reconsidered" project was focused directly on issues raised by neighbors in the previous projects. Cautiously at first, but ultimately with great enthusiasm, area residents organized dozens of meetings, joined in an e-mail discussion group, conducted neighborhood walking tours, published a Web site, and held meetings with staft~ Planning Commissioners and City Councilors. As a result of this etTort, we've managed to reach a level of agreement between neighbors and City staff that few would have imagined possible during the first two contentious projects. The Planning Commission added support to our collaborative efforts by recommending City Council adopt the Chambers Special Area Zone in the exact form hammered out by staff and residents. In contrast to previous project outcomes, residents have made clear we're prepared to help the City move forward with the Chambers MUC once the Chambers Special Area Zone is adopted. Some people present the pessimistic view that our accomplishments set a dangerous precedent. However, what we've actually achieved is a encouraging example of how genuine public involvement is the key to achieving our common goals of healthy neighborhoods and compact b'Towth. The precedent to recognize here is that residents of a neighborhood should be given an effective voice in detennining the future of the area in which they live and raise their families. By approving the Chambers Special Area Zone, the Council has an opportunity to show Eugene residents they can be part of a collaborative planning effort that produces practical, win-win results that are good for their neighborhoods and the City as a whole. Thank you.