Item B: Downtown Outcomes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

revitalization of the metropolitan area's economy by providing a unique opportunity to develop an area that connects downtown Eugene to the Willamette River, connects to University of Oregon, and will house the new federal courthouse. The area is envisioned to include retail, commercial, housing and recreation. The original district encompassed nearly 148 acres adjacent to and including the University of Oregon’s Riverfront Research Park site. Public Involvement: The update of the Riverfront Urban Renewal Plan was a "substantial amendment" and was treated as a high profile action with significant opportunity for public comment. At each public information session related to the Downtown Plan update (see item #1), use of urban renewal in the Riverfront District was highlighted as a tool. One event, “Lookin’ Forward at Downtown” drew over 125 people during the December 2003 First Friday Artwalk. In January 2004, a letter was mailed to each of the taxing districts informing them of the proposed amendments and inviting comment. The letter included a copy of the draft plan, a copy that showed proposed changes, and the Riverfront Urban Renewal District Report. A postcard was mailed to every household in Eugene with information on the proposed amendments and the public hearing date. Council Involvement: The district plan was reviewed and amended by the City Council in March 2004. City Council amended the boundaries of the district to add another 30 acres, bringing the total area to approximately 178 acres. Major changes in the plan amendments included changing the name of the district from the “Riverfront Research Park Urban Renewal Area” to the “Riverfront Urban Renewal Area,” extending the termination date to 2024, expanding and revising the list of project activities, providing new cost estimates of the projects to be undertaken, establishing a maximum indebtedness of $34.8 million, and providing other information about the impact of the amendments. Outcome: A summary of the Riverfront District Plan goals are listed below. ? Improve the function, condition, and appearance of the development area ? Eliminate existing blight and blighting influences ? Strengthen the economic and environmental conditions of the plan area and the metropolitan area ? Stimulate development activity and amenities near the new federal courthouse ? Stimulate appropriate redevelopment in the Riverfront area currently occupied by EWEB, if EWEB relocates in whole or in part from this property ? Improve connections between the core of downtown, Riverfront, and the University of Oregon ? Protect or enhance the riparian area 9.Central Area Transportation Study (CATS) Date: 2004 Context: The CATS updated the previous plan completed in 1987. The purpose was to provide analysis and recommendations on the role of transportation and alternative modes in supporting efforts for a revitalized downtown, in collaboration with the Downtown Plan. CATS was also intended to incorporate planning ideas from previous downtown related studies, including the South Bank Study, the North End Scoping Study, the Courthouse District Concept Plan and the Downtown Vision. In order to address transportation continuity issues, the CATS boundary is somewhat larger than the Downtown Plan boundary. Public Involvement: CATS was available for public review and comment and was the subject of public hearings and work sessions before Planning Commission and City Council. Council Involvement: Council adopted the final plan in June 2004. Outcome: The implementation strategies contained in the document are recognized as potential means of addressing adopted policies, such as one way to two way conversions, or potential street improvements.