Item A: South Willamette Street Improvement Plan

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Make public transit more affordable/ desirable to reduce vehicular capacities. We're concerned about bus pull -outs. I have a big concern about bus stops. Big delays unless have a pullout, but how would that affect sidewalks? Option 3 is too narrow for busses. Transit pull out alley - utilities reduced traffic from more walking/ biking. Spend money now to bury utilities -it will cost more in 10 years! In the long term, the overhead "utilities" must be buried. Utility poles are a hazard for bikes and pedestrians. Left turn signals are very much needed. Although I am in favor of any option that fits the needs of many people -with safety at the forefront- I feel it must be said that bike and pedestrian traffic occurs mostly in the summer -the rest of the year is too cold and rainy for most people to walk or bike. I really like alternative 6 but am concerned about the through traffic volumes. Then again if we make it easier to walk and bike than drive, people will be more likely to choose those modes. This would be beneficial in lessening the traffic volume and improving the atmosphere. I imagine that would be the best environment for the businesses but more difficult for through traffic. The way I see it, someone who is new to town and has not decided how they are going to transport themselves, should be able to look at Willamette and see a representation of our community values and unbiased options of how to use the street -it needs to work equally well for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians and busses! I chose [the options I did] because they are the only complete streets and consider the safety and social equity ideals that our community values. All businesses applying for permits to expand or reconfigure their buildings or parking facilities should be put on notice that in the future the City may choose to widen its right or way and would be unwilling to compensate the businesses for any losses resulting from design changes.