Item A2: Ordinance Vacating West 12th Avenue between Olive and Willamette streets

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The development site is surrounded on all sides by commercially-zoned lands. With regard to nearby residential development, a residential facility for seniors abuts the north boundary of the proposed development; otherwise, residential neighborhoods are located a block to the south and about three blocks to the east and west. The development plan responds to potential impacts to these developments by providing substantial parking spaces (for both vehicles and bicycles) within the development, as overflow parking onto the streets and into the neighborhoods is a frequent concern of residents. With regard to traffic, residents will have easy access to alternative modes of transportation, as discussed above. Further, the traffic generated by the proposed development will be more precisely evaluated as part of a required Traffic Impact Analysis review, which studies the development’s impact on the transportation system and results in the developer providing necessary mitigation measures at their expense. To further protect the livability of both downtown and nearby residential neighborhoods, the development will be required to comply with all applicable commercial code standards, based on the C-3/TD (Major Commercial with Transit Oriented Development Overlay) zoning of the property. These standards are in place to ensure that development occurs in a manner that is complementary with the community by increasing opportunities for alternative modes of transportation, promoting safe pedestrian systems, and preventing crime through design. These standards address elements such as bicycle parking, landscaping, garbage screening, delivery and loading facilities. The City also enforces noise regulations, which apply beyond the construction of the proposed development to the on-going activities of the development and its residents. Conclusion: The ability to redevelop this property in a consolidated manner enhances the economic viability of the site. The vacation will result in a safe and efficient transportation system, an improved bicycle and pedestrian connection through the site, and a redevelopment project that provides compact urban growth and adds density and vitality to the downtown area. The proposal is consistent with the City’s vision for this area as reflected in the Eugene Downtown Plan and related policy documents. The project will result in substantial economic opportunities for the construction trade and downtown businesses, and the additional employment opportunities will benefit the entire community. The City will continue to work with the downtown and nearby neighborhoods to address livability concerns through appropriate programs. Based on the above findings, substantial evidence and testimony received, the City finds that the requested right-of-way vacation will be in the public interest. Exhibit C: Findings