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maintaining compatibility with a longer range vision and b) to develop a long-term vision of how the Park Blocks could be used and what kind of improvements could accomplish that vision. Public Involvement: A 16 member committee included representation from user groups (e.g. Saturday Market, Farmers’ Market) and organizations with an interest in downtown improvement, arts, entertainment, neighborhoods, and staff. The committee met five times over three months and both heard from and then shared their recommendations with the public. Council Involvement: Council received updates during the process and the final recommendations. Outcome: The main recommendations are listed below. ? Enhance and support the City’s most vital and active urban space ? Provide improvements for markets ? Encourage desirable adjacent uses, including housing ? Support Great Streets concept ? Enhance Federal Courthouse & River District access ? Support Downtown redevelopment ? Coordinate with new Eugene City Hall planning ? Coordinate with planned conversion of Eighth Avenue to two-way traffic 7.Downtown Urban Renewal Plan Date: Adopted – 1968; Modified – 1968, 1989, 1998, & 2004 Context: The Downtown District was established in 1968 to redevelop 17 blocks in the downtown area. The original project goals involved land acquisition, building rehabilitation, and construction of public improvements. An update of the 1968 plan was approved by voters in 1990 and was set to expire in FY10. In June 1998, City Council chose one of the options provided by Measure 50 legislation that allowed for a City-wide special levy as well as dividing the taxes collected within the district. Council limited expenditures of new funds to completing existing projects and construction of a new main library. They also approved a plan to reduce district administration over the following three years. By 2004, the library construction was complete. Public Involvement: In addition to the City Council public hearing in August 2004, the amendments were the subject of significant opportunity for public comment. At each of the public information sessions related to the update of the Downtown Plan (see item #1), use of urban renewal funding in the Downtown District was highlighted as a tool. One event “Lookin’ Forward at Downtown” drew over 125 people during the December 2003 First Friday Art Walk. Council Involvement: City Council amended the plan to allow funding for other activities including economic revitalization strategies and to extend the termination date to June 30, 2024. Reviews of the plan are required in 2009 and 2019. Outcome: A summary of the Downtown District Plan goals are listed below. ? Improve the function, condition and appearance of the district ? Eliminate blight and blighting influences ? Strengthen the economic conditions of the plan area ? Improve the downtown’s importance in the region by strengthening its economic base ? Enhance its role as a central location of public and private development and investment 8.Riverfront Urban Renewal Plan Date: Adopted – 1985; Modified – 2004 Context: The Riverfront District was created in 1985 to assist in financing public infrastructure. The development in the Riverfront Urban Renewal District area is intended to play a critical role in the