CC Minutes - 11/21/11 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

it was a misconception for her to think that what happened in the parking lot was her business because it was not her property. Christy Albin, 2403 Parkview Drive, had looked forward to the construction of single- family houses on the property in question. She said neighbors were blindsided to find that a multi -story 101 -unit development was proposed with inadequate parking in the expectation that excess parking would be accommodated on- street and with only one planned egress onto Parkview Drive. Several hundred neighbors attended a hearing at the Sheldon Community Center to learn more about the project. Unfortunately, it was too late; HPB members had made up their minds and did not consider neighbors' concerns. The HPB was too committed to the project to do anything but support it. She asked the council to slow the process, build the project right, or refrain from building it. Ms. Albin asked the council to consider neighborhood livability of both existing and future residents. John VanLandingham, 325 North Grand Street, reviewed his written submission as it related to the City's Housing Dispersal Policy in support of the Bascom Village proposal. Darin Housley, 2402 Parkview Drive, questioned the adequacy of the notice provided by the City and noted his property was directly adjacent to the project and he never received notice. He questioned siting a low- income housing development at the periphery of the community where no services existed. He suggested the property be sold and the proceeds invested in a more appropriately located site. He believed that made more sense for future tenants. He appreciated that the HPB held a second hearing but felt neighbor's comments fell on deaf ears. All the HPB members were advocates for low- income housing but no one was advocating on behalf of other citizens. Mr. Housley said such housing was needed but its location must make sense. Jerry Rouleau, 2337 Parkview Drive, reiterated the concerns expressed by others about the process and the fact the neighbors were not included in the process. He asked why the HPB did not include the neighbors in its process; why no one talked to Lane Transit District before residents raised the issue of bus service; if City staff had called the principals of area schools to ask about the impact of the proposed development; why the traffic study done for the project did not address both properties; if the two developments were aware of each other; if the HPB went through the same process that other non - public developers went through; why the proposal disregarded Envision Eugene; why research was done only after the neighbors asked questions; if any of the councilors or members of the HPB had driven in the neighborhood at 5 p.m.; why no sidewalk was being built from Bascom Village to Crescent Street; and if Sheldon High School was full. Mr. Rouleau suggested if students could not transfer to Churchill High School to Sheldon High School, it must be full. He asked about the impact of House Bill 3681, which allowed students to transfer to any school they wanted to attend, on area schools. Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Farr, moved to extend the meeting to 11 p.m. Mayor Piercy determined there was no objection. Sara Bergsund, 1579 Charnelton Street, Bergsund Delaney Architects, said the design complied with City requirements for density. The site's zoning permitted up to 136 units, or 28 units per acre; 101 units, or 21 units per acre, was proposed. She believed any further reduction called into question the City's stated goals for affordable housing and compact urban development. She noted the developer was pursuing the 150 density bonus allowed for such developments. Ms. Bergsund said that Public Works staff indicated that the site's zoning was taken into account in City planning for infrastructure and there was sufficient design capacity on County Farm Road, Matt Drive, and Parkview Drive. Right -of -way improvements were planned for all three streets, including a sidewalk on County Farm Road. MINUTES— Eugene City Council November 21, 2011 Page 10 Public Hearing