Item A: Eugene Water & Electric Board Riverfront Master Plan

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The formal land use applications that will implement the EWEB Riverfront Master Plan, and are recommended for approval by the Planning Commission, are briefly summarized below: Metro Plan Amendment (MA 12-1): amends the Metro Plan diagram to reflect the master plan vision for mixed-use redevelopment; changes land use designation from primarily heavy industrial to mixed use. Refinement Plan Adoption & Related Amendments (RA 12-1): adopts the EWEB Downtown Riverfront Specific Area Plan; also amends the Downtown Plan and Riverfront Park Study to remove obsolete sections and ensure consistency. Code Amendments (CA 12-4): amends the Eugene Code to establish a new (S-DR) Downtown Riverfront Special Area Zone including form-based standards for future redevelopment; also includes related code amendments to integrate the new zoning with existing code sections. Zone Change (Z 12-6): rezones the site from public land and industrial zoning to the new (S- DR) Downtown Riverfront Special Area Zone. Willamette Greenway Permit (WG 12-4): approves a Willamette Greenway Permit for future development that is consistent with the new plan and zone. At the upcoming work session, the focus will be on building an understanding of the conceptual master plan and these regulatory actions that establish the intended framework for redevelopment. EWEB proposes a “hybrid” form-based code which uses a combination of traditional zoning and form-based development standards tailored specifically to the EWEB riverfront site. These tools are similar to those recently applied to Walnut Station including user- friendly graphics, use controls, urban design standards, and design review. The intent is to achieve a balance between certainty and flexibility in the redevelopment process; to support the appropriate enhancement of riverfront habitat; and, to promote a mix of uses that complement existing downtown development and multiple riverfront uses. As staff will cover in greater detail, several key features of the proposal include approximately eight acres of proposed public open space including a riverfront park; a pedestrian-oriented street system; new parcels for mixed-use redevelopment; and, adaptive reuse of existing buildings on the site. These key features are briefly described below: Riverfront Open Space  Expanded open space includes a variety of new amenities, space for recreational activities, and riparian restoration along the river’s edge.  Public amenities will include a new public plaza as well as informal seating areas, a relocated pathway and boardwalk, interpretive sites and overlooks, gentler grades for better access to the river, and native plantings for habitat enhancement.  A Willamette Greenway setback is established to ensure protection of the expanded open space, riparian area and scenic values along the river. S:\CMO\2013 Council Agendas\M130515\S130515A.doc