Item A: Urban Renewal - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Historical Analysis – 3.Councilor Brown requested a comprehensive study on the overall benefits of the Downtown Urban Renewal District since its creation in 1968. Staff has started working with him on this request. Over the past several years, the Urban Renewal Agency has made Downtown District investments in public infrastructure, public facilities, and private building improvements. Staff compiled examples of projects that received council approval for the use of urban renewal and that could be used as a model for future uses of urban renewal (see Attachment C). Boundary information 4.– Councilor Zelenka inquired about the expansion possibilities of the Downtown District, specifically in relation to the City Hall block. Urban renewal districts can be expanded by a maximum of 20% of their original size. It should also be noted that a district boundary cannot be reduced in one area in order to expand beyond the 20% limit in another area. The Downtown District has never been expanded. It is possible to expand the Downtown District by a total addition of 14 acres. To assist the Veterans Affairs clinic or complete the Park Blocks improvements, two of the projects discussed on May 27, the Downtown District boundary would need to be expanded to include those sites. The City Hall site is not included in either Urban Renewal District. At the meeting on May 27, staff thought the Riverfront District might be expanded to include City Hall; however, upon review, that district has previously been expanded to its maximum area. The Downtown District would need to be expanded to take in the City Hall site if there was a desire to use urban renewal funds to complete projects on this site. See attachment D for a map of the Downtown District. Staff will provide a map that delineates expansion options for the August 10 meeting. Veterans Affairs Clinic 5. – Veterans Affairs is currently seeking a site for a 90,000 square-foot clinic in Eugene. The downtown area is high on its list of potential locations. The request for proposals (RFP) has not been issued yet; however, they have stated they plan to select a site by September 1, 2009, for occupancy by December 30, 2012. The Eugene Clinic site, along with neighboring th buildings near 12 Avenue and Willamette/Olive streets, is less than one block from Lane Transit District’s Eugene Station and could be an outstanding location in the heart of Eugene. PeaceHealth owns the property and is expected to submit a proposal. Siting this facility in such a central location promotes sustainable development but may require City/URA assistance to assemble land parcels or assist with infrastructure, parking and other improvements. Potential Projects – 6.The council discussed potential urban renewal projects at the May 27 meeting. Attachment F includes project specifics for two of the potential projects that were discussed: Park Blocks improvements and local business assistance. This attachment is provided to serve as an example of the type and scope of information that could be provided on each potential project. Public Involvement Plan The purpose of Eugene’s Urban Renewal public involvement plan is to ensure that residents, property owners, businesses, and other interested parties have convenient opportunities to become fully informed about the proposed projects and to provide input throughout the process. The draft public involvement plan calls for several strategies which will be used to promote public involvement. Formal opportunities will include a public hearing before the City Council. Information about the hearing will be distributed via outreach at community events, the City website, paid media ads, neighborhood newsletters and press releases. In addition, a public notice will be sent to all households to let them know about the proposed changes, the public hearing, and availability of information on the City website. More informal opportunities to share information and solicit comments will include at least two public forums in August and September, and staff presence at Saturday and Farmers’ Markets in August and at the Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090708\S090708A.doc