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Hugh Prichard, Ward 3, supported the alley vacation because the existing right -of -way was dangerous for all users and the proposed development would fix the alignment and provide a public amenity that enhanced the safety of users. Phillip Farrington, Ward 1, urged the council's support for the alley vacation because it met the applicable criterion because of the reasons cited by Mr. Acken and Mr. Prichard. He also referred the council to policies in the Downtown Plan that supported the proposal. Those policies called for encouraging education- related development such as student housing, increased residential and commercial densities in downtown to increase transit and alternate modes use, and increased multi -unit housing in downtown. Mayor Piercy then called on those in opposition to the proposal. Sara Bergsund, Ward 1, submitted written testimony in support of the MUPTE application and in opposition to the alley vacation. She did not support giving up air rights to the developer and wanted the buildings to contribute to the environment and be built in accordance with the scale and materials being used on current projects. She advocated for a more urban development. Mayor Piercy called for rebuttal testimony. Mr. Acken indicated the applicant would submit additional testimony, including rebuttal testimony, during the time the record was open. Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Farr, moved to hold the record open for any written evidence, argument, or testimony until 5 p.m. on April 30, 2012, then open for an additional seven -day period until 5 p.m. on May 7 for any party to submit written argument (but not new evidence) to respond to issues already raised, then, unless the applicant waives its right, to allow the applicant seven days, until May 14 at 5 p.m. to submit final written argument. Roll call vote: The motion passed unanimously, 8:0. 5. PUBLIC HEARING: Multi -Unit Property Tax Exemption for Student Housing Project City Manager Ruiz introduced the item. He said that while no public hearing was required for the MUPTE application, staff had recommended one be held because of the size and scope of the project. He noted that the council had held two work sessions on the project and the comment period for MUPTE applications had been extended for three months. City Manager Ruiz described the scope of the public involvement that had occurred to date, which included neighborhood association meetings, community forums, and a City Club presentation. He indicated he would forward the council a recommendation regarding the MUPTE application prior to its work session on April 25. Mayor Piercy opened the public hearing. She limited remarks to two minutes. Jim Hale, Ward 5, objected to the subsidy provided through the MUPTE. He believed it would negatively impact all existing student housing. He questioned the need for the subsidy as he perceived the development would be occupied by wealthy students. Mark Johnson, Ward 5, Director of Transit Operations at Lane Transit District, supported the application as supporting the community's goals for a vibrant downtown. The MUPTE had produced many successful projects and was intended to help encourage higher densities in the urban core. He agreed with previous testimony that the project was consistent with Eugene's goals for downtown. Mr. Johnson MINUTES— Eugene City Council April 23, 2012 Page 5 Regular Meeting