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It should be noted that not only does the Santa Clara area not have a community park, there are no metropolitan parks or natural area parks serving River Road/Santa Clara residents (Attachment D). Project Complexi~. The acquisition of a community park for Santa Clara has always been complex. However, significant public benefits are to be gained, and thus, it has been assumed that the complexity was worth the effort. The significant difference in the level of complexity perceived by the council has been the development of legal agreements to outline the next steps, which include public involvement, design, permitting, planning, and acquisition. While the components of the agreement are typical of parkland acquisition, the size of this parcel and its location outside of the UGB contributes to a need for more detailed and specific written agreements. These agreements are in place to protect the City of Eugene and taxpayers as well as the private property owners, and to provide clarity as the project moves forward. Planning and Design Process: Next Steps If a Metro Plan Amendment is initiated, there are two critical next steps. One will be to begin the public involvement process aimed at developing a good conceptual plan for the 197-acre parcel, including the park and the surrounding neighborhood. On a parallel process, findings will be developed as part of the Metro Plan Amendment application. This work will require the applicants to thoroughly address the issues of agricultural values, transportation, natural resources, and parks and recreation needs. Numerous public involvement opportunities will be provided. In addition to design workshops to develop the site plan, a minimum of two public hearings will be held to provide input on the Metro Plan Amendment findings. These correlate to the joint planning commission hearings (City of Eugene Planning Commission, Lane County Planning Commission) and the joint elected official board hearings (City Council, Lane County Board of Commissioners). While staff desired public meetings prior to the request to the council to initiate the Metro Plan Amendment, it was determined that meaningful public involvement should occur within the context of a site planning phase. In this way, staff will be able to communicate more effectively with the public, respond to issues such as transportation and neighborhood impacts, and to illustrate the parks and recreation uses proposed. Public information about the project has been ongoing with stakeholders, including Santa Clara and Laurel Hill Valley neighbors. Timing The property owners, staff, and private consultants are prepared to begin immediately to develop necessary findings and conduct public involvement efforts related to the Metro Plan Amendment and land acquisition process. Staff s first effort will be to have the necessary materials to present to a joint meeting of the Lane County Planning Commission and the City of Eugene Planning Commission later this year. OPTIONS The council has the option to approve the request and initiate a metro plan amendment or direct staff to initiate an eminent domain process for some portion of the 197-acre Santa Clara property. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the request and initiation of a Metro Plan Amendment. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040712\S0407125.DOC