Ordinance No. 19523 - Laserfiche WebLink

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introduction During the Winter and Spring of 198b the community debated the issue of whether or not to convert Willamette Street between 11th and ZOth to two-way traffic. Reasons cited to support the proposed conversion included the need to restore Willamette as the main street of Eugene; the need to provide a formal entrance and improved access into downtown; that commercial activities along Willamette would improve with two-way traffic; and that an entry to downtown along Willamette would improve the identity of downtown. Reasons cited , i n apposition to the carvers i on included the safety impact of two-way traffic and increased traffic volumes on those wishing to cross Willamette Street at the lath and 15th Avenue bicycle crossings and for pedestrians at 16th Avenue; the loss of on-street parking and commercial loading in the 1700 block; the high costs associated with rebuilding/providing increased capacity at the 18th Avenue intersections}; the negative impacts of two-way traffic and increased volumes on the residential uses and on property values between 18th and ~Oth Avenues; and the perceived negative impacts on adjoining areas associated with potential spillover traffic. Two public hearings were held: a joint Planning Commission and Downtown Commission public hearing and a.City Council public hearing. The planning Comm~ss~on and Downtown Cor~m~ss~on recomr~ended: that Council direct staff to convert Willamette Street to two~way traffic between 11th and 13th in an expedient manner and identify an appropriate crossing for bicycles and pedestrians at 1Zth Avenue, Recognizing that it is the intent of the Commissions to reestablish ~1i11amette as a major corridor into Downtown, the conversion of 13th to ZUth is to be included for study in the Central Area Transportation 5tudy...The f~11 owl ng concerns are to be addressed as part of the study: 1} Identify the financial implications of converting Wi11a- mette to two-way traffic between 13th and ZOth; ~~ 2} Investigate providing safe and appropriate crossings for autor~obi 1 es, bicycles and pedestrians i n the corridor; 3} Consider the land use impacts of converting Willamette, particularly in the 18th to both area; and 4} Consider the impacts of the conversion on adjoining neighborhoods. The City Council accepted the proposed recommendation of the Planning and Downtown Commissions and directed staff to proceed with converting Willamette street to two-way traffic between 11th and 13th Avenues, including bicycle and pedestrian crossings, and to study the remainder of the issues during the Central Area Transportation study. Page 2