CC Minutes - 11/14/05 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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result of the proposed zoning change, he would not be able to redevelop his property to the higher densities permitted by the R-2 zone and was unsure that the duplexes could be rebuilt if destroyed should the rezoning go forward. He said the proposed downzoning would reduce the value of his properties and would likely have a similar impact on other R-2 properties in the area. He asked if that was fair, and questioned if the City would reimburse him and other owners for their lost value if Ballot Measure 37 was upheld by the courts. He said the mayor and many councilors had been very vocal about holding the current urban growth boundary (UGB) and developing to higher densities in the existing boundaries. If that was the goal, he questioned how the council could justify the zoning being proposed for the area in question. He asked the council to consider the message it was sending by approving the downzoning. Mac Curtis , 1391 West Broadway, a member of the Chambers Area Families for a Healthy Neighborhood (CAFHN), thanked the council and mayor for its consideration of the organization’s work. He also thanked Mr. Lowe, consultant Greg Brokaw, other Planning Division staff, as well as Chair John Lawless of the Planning Commission for the leadership he demonstrated. He noted the many pieces of testimony submitted by those in support of the plan. Mr. Curtis acknowledged the applicable criteria in the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan) related to increasing overall density in the city; however, those policies did not provide for equal density in all neighborhoods. The City’s plans also spoke to preserving existing neighborhoods, such as his. He did not think the City could create plans that overrode those policies. Mr. Curtis said the proposed special area zone preserved the neighborhood while increasing density. th Steve Pringle , 1457 West 10 Avenue, a member of CAFHN, said his organization documented the negative impacts of poor infill developments in the area on adjacent residents and the entire neighborhood. He said that those councilors who had taken a walking tour of the neighborhood were aware of those impacts. The organization determined that limiting the number of dwelling units on each lot was essential to preventing further neighborhood destabilization and was consistent with City plan policies. Mr. Pringle spoke to the issue of density, saying that the result of the zone would be an increase in density that exceeded the council’s target for mixed-use density. He said the City would be able to accommodate anticipated growth as part of its overall growth strategy and the neighborhood would be able to support it. th Carol DeFazio , 1437 West 10 Avenue, a member of CAFHN, suggested the council consider whether its decision about the zone would help Eugene grow wisely and foster a livable community. She said residents already walk the talk about density and support smart growth. However, intelligent planning should not put established neighborhoods at risk while promoting pale, nontraditional replicas of them at the periphery. She said residents welcomed positive change and supported significant increases in density accompanied by standards to ensure it occurred at a proper scale. She said the organization also encouraged diversity by allowing alley access to new affordable housing. Ms. DeFazio said the current approach to density was destabilizing the neighborhood and decreasing values. th Janice Gotchall , 1461 West 10 Avenue, a member of CAFHN, noted the supporting documentation that accompanied the proposed development standards for the special area zone. She said the neighbors opposed previous plans because they failed to address issues of compatibility and scale. They did not address the criteria related to protection of existing neighborhoods. She said the neighborhood organized many meetings, formed an e-mail discussion group, established an e-web site, met with councilors, and conducted walking tours. She said the result was a “win-win” collaboration between the City and residents that was not previously possible. Residents were prepared to help the City move forward with the Chambers mixed- MINUTES—Eugene City Council November 14, 2005 Page 6 Regular Meeting