Item 4: MUPTE for Student Housing Project

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Good Neighbor Behavior: Capstone is interviewing local contractors. Almost certainly most of the workers will be local, regardless of the contractor. Capstone has pledged to follow all city codes related to noise and air quality. They have also said that they will try to be sensitive about starting noisy construction later than 7AM if possible. Capstone has agreed to a program of systematic communication with Olive Plaza about the construction process so as to keep them updated. Capstone has agreed to a program of quarterly communications with Olive Plaza residents to ensure that there is two-way positive communication; the focus will be on “known or potential noise or other nuisance issues with the operations of the student housing community upon Olive Plaza.” (per written document, available upon request from DNA or Steve Master.) A member of the project staff will serve on the DNA Steering Committee. This will encourage further communication and accountability for all parties. “Good Neighbor” information will be provided by Capstone management to all residents of the project; this will be done in concert with the Downtown Neighborhood Association. Long Term Management: Although Capstone indicates that it is unlikely that any future purchaser of the project would have less rigorous management, Downtown Neighborhood Association remains quite concerned about this issue. Public Safety: Police Chief Kerns has answered DNA’s specific inquiry, saying he is confident that EPD can meet the challenges that may be presented by the project. Conclusion On March 28 the Downtown Neighborhood Association Steering Committee voted 6-1 to support the Capstone project with reservations. Although DNA wants to support enthusiastically the construction of the Capstone Project, we continue to have concerns. In order to address our reservations, we offer the following: Recommendations to the City Council  Consider a building code or ordinance to require 24/7, professional management and supervision (what Capstone calls “Courtesy” officers) of any building with more than a specified number of residents.  Provide for a safe, direct bicycle/pedestrian link between the University and downtown (probably on 13th Avenue, since 12th is neither very safe nor direct).  Negotiate with Capstone for the provision of an on-site Bike Share station.  Provide restricted or reserved on-street parking for Olive Plaza caregivers and/or residents.  Consider multiple family housing a priority in future Downtown development. Submitted for Eugene City Council consideration by David Mandelblatt, Chair, Downtown Neighborhood Association, with approval of the DNA Steering Committee