CC Minutes - 04/23/12 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

or skateboards on the sidewalks. Many Olive Plaza residents used wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, and were easily startled when such vehicles passed by, generally without warning. Cecil Hodges, Ward 5, had no objection to the proposed development but he objected to the MUPTE application. He suggested the project cost could be reduced and the project could pay for itself. If the project could not be constructed for $80 million something was wrong. He did not think the City should pay a developer to compete against existing landlords. Bob Tranu, Ward 1, asked for an approved copy of the management agreement, the leasing agreement, and the security agreement and asked that those documents be permanently recorded on the CC &Rs so they went to any new owner. He said if that could not be done, he recommended the council develop an ordinance to cover such situations. He emphasized the importance of on -site property management. Mr. Tranu questioned the length of time that the building returned its investment. Janna Ellingson, Ward 1, questioned the wisdom of student housing in downtown. She did not think the subsidy given the applicant would help downtown and suggested the subsidy be used on other vital services. She did not think that downtown Eugene needed more bars, restaurants, or better shopping. She believed a sale of the property would remove all City control. She particularly objected to the impact she perceived the development would have on Olive Plaza residents, who would be adversely affected by demolition. Janet Breedlove, Ward 1, opposed the proposal because of the amount of land the new development would occupy and the noise and congestion that would result. She believed that the sale of the project would lead to its deterioration and it could become a public liability. Bill Davis, Ward 1, was disappointed by the lack of grocery stores in downtown. He anticipated that the addition of so many students would overwhelm the existing grocery store. He urged the council to work to get a medium sized grocery store in downtown Eugene. David Parker, Ward 1, spoke of the elderly at -risk population living at Olive Plaza who feared walking on crowded sidewalks; that fear would be exacerbated by the addition of so many students. He suggested the City and applicant install closed circuit televisions around the perimeter of the project with large warning signs. He recommended those requirements be included in any CC &Rs. Mr. Parker was also concerned about added on- street demand for parking, which would pressure already limited parking for care workers, visitors, and Olive Plaza staff. Barbara Kinsman, Ward 1, expressed concern that the project owner might sell the project and it would become rundown under another owner as had been experienced in other areas. She asked the council to postpone its decision and do more research. She suggested that under new ownership, the project could become a legal liability for the City. Jessica Langdon, Ward 5, expressed support for the proposed project. The influx of new residents had caused rents to increase and more units were needed. In addition, students living downtown would have better access to campus and would become more familiar with and involved in downtown. Kristin White, Ward 1, supported the proposed project and the MUPTE application. She believed the development would help revitalize downtown by bringing vibrant new energy to downtown. It would stimulate other economic activity. The project would benefit students by giving them unique housing opportunities both on and off campus and would help connect students with the downtown, making them more likely to stay and invest in the community. MINUTES— Eugene City Council April 23, 2012 Page 7 Regular Meeting