Item A: Joint Meeting with Eugene Water & Electric Board

Home Browse Search

master plan. The design process culminated with an event attended by more than 300 people at the Eugene Hilton in March 2010 and a public open house on the EWEB site in May 2010. In June 2010, the EWEB Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the master plan after receiving consensus approval from the Community Advisory Team. Phase 2: Land Use Consulting and Applications (November 2010-January 2012) In November 2010, EWEB hired Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture & Planning and Rowell Brokaw Architects to complete the land use phase and codify the approved master plan. This work includes the development of: 1) Code amendments (to implement a new Special Area Zone and Specific Area Plan based on the master plan); 2) Metro Plan amendment application; 3) Refinement Plan amendment application; 4) Zone change application; 5) Willamette Greenway permit application; 6) Transportation Planning Rule and Traffic Impact Analysis. The new code being constructed for the Downtown Riverfront (S-DR Zone) uses a combination of traditional zoning and form-based standards to guide redevelopment. The new code is intended to achieve a balance certainty and flexibility in the redevelopment process; to support the appropriate enhancement of riverfront habitat; and to promote a mix of uses that complement and support existing downtown and riverfront uses. Traditional codes are characterized by extensive land use controls and prescriptive criteria and standards employed to ensure that development is compatible with surrounding uses. Form-based codes place an emphasis on predictable physical outcomes. They include regulations that shape the public realm and support the development of pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use urban environments. The code development now underway is ambitious, forward thinking, and technical. In order to achieve an appropriate balance between certainty and flexibility, the draft code employs both techniques with use controls in specific locations that promote a vibrant, active, “people place” and form-based standards that shape the public realm. In addition, the code contains standards and criteria for a new riverfront park and promotes the adaptive reuse of buildings, interim parking strategies, and green infrastructure (stormwater bioswales, green streets, etc.). In keeping with the policies established by the 2004 Downtown Plan, the objectives of the Downtown Riverfront Special Area Zone are to:  Create a “people place” that is active, vibrant, accessible and multi-use.  Provide appropriate setbacks, deeper where environmental or habitat issues are more critical, shallower in other areas.  Incorporate appropriate building and site design techniques that address environmental concerns.  Include educational aspects that teach about the city, river and history. 8