Item C: MUPTE - Envision Eugene Implementation (2)

Home Browse Search

neighborhood and portions of the 6th/7th corridor, as well as a small area within the Whiteaker neighborhood. At the May 9, 2011, meeting, councilors expressed an interest in reviewing the MUPTE boundary, especially the area near the University of Oregon that was added in 2004, following recommendations from the West University Task Force. As has been done in the past, the council can modify the MUPTE boundary, as long as new areas meet state criteria. The council may also want to consider MUPTE boundary modifications in the context of Envision Eugene. While the details of where and how MUPTE might be utilized as a tool to implement Envision Eugene will need to be discussed further, new MUPTE boundaries could potentially be established on identified key transit corridors and core commercial areas and through opportunity siting. Timing and Next Steps In order for MUPTE to be continued as an economic tool, the council will need to take action in the form of adopting a new ordinance. To balance the need of supporting downtown development while still allowing sufficient time to discuss MUPTE in the context of Envision Eugene, staff is recommending a phased approach. The first step would be to extend MUPTE in the downtown plan area. The downtown is an area that has been a focus of both Envision Eugene and Eugene Counts. In addition, several potential housing projects would be affected if MUPTE were not available. Those include efforts to renovate the former Taco Time building and 858 Pearl Street. In the fall, staff will return to the council in subsequent work sessions to discuss the remainder of the City and for what areas, if any, the council would like to extend MUPTE benefits. RELATED CITY POLICIES MUPTE is enabled by state statute. The City of Eugene has participated in the MUPTE program since 1978. Encouraging housing in the core area is consistent with numerous adopted planning and policy documents. Examples include: Growth Management Policies Policy 1 Support the existing Eugene Urban Growth Boundary by taking actions to increase density and use on existing vacant land and under-used land within the boundary more efficiently. Policy 2 Encourage in-fill, mixed-use, redevelopment, and higher density development. Policy 3 Encourage a mix of business and residential uses downtown using incentives and zoning. Refinement Plans The Downtown Plan and relevant neighborhood refinement plans include policies encouraging residential development at higher density as well as a variety or mix of structure types providing a range of housing opportunities. Envision Eugene The MUPTE program is consistent with the current Envision Eugene work and, specifically, the “Promote compact urban development and efficient transportation options” pillar. \\Cesrv500\cc support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110720\S110720C.doc