Item B: South Willamette Concept Plan Update

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: South Willamette Concept Plan Update Meeting Date: June 19, 2013 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Patricia Thomas www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5561 ISSUE STATEMENT This work session is an opportunity to receive an update and discuss the South Willamette Concept Plan in the context of implementing Envision Eugene. BACKGROUND One of the primary goals set forth in the City Manager’s March 2012 Envision Eugene recommendation is to accommodate all of Eugene’s 20-year multi-family housing and commercial job needs inside the existing Urban Growth Boundary. Area planning has been identified as a means of promoting compact urban development along key transit corridors and in core commercial centers in a way that enhances the livability and unique identity of each area. The South Willamette Concept Plan began in 2011 as a pilot for the area planning strategy, encompassing the South Willamette Street area from 23rd to 32nd avenues and from Amazon Park to the base of College Hill. This vital district is already valued as a place to live, work, shop and enjoy leisure activities. In addition, according to research conducted by the Envision Eugene Technical Resource Group, South Willamette is one of four districts city-wide that may be closer to showing market potential for change over the next 20 years. These characteristics, along with public support through a partnership with the Friendly Area Neighborhood and Southtown Business Association, pointed to South Willamette as a good candidate to begin exploring the tools of area planning. The draft South Willamette Concept Plan describes a vision for the district that integrates land use, transportation, public parks and green space. The vision emerged from numerous community conversations, including over 600 people who actively participated through public workshops, focus groups, questionnaires and email updates. Based on these conversations, the plan strikes a balance toward a moderate level of change and intensity that is sensitive to the scale and character of existing development. Key elements of the vision include: A well-connected, healthy, and walkable district  Opportunities for more commercial jobs and residential density, including a greater diversity  of housing types Guidelines for the physical form and scale of commercial and mixed-use development  Concepts for active, successful streets and public realm  Principles for transitions and compatible building design  S:\CMO\2013 Council Agendas\M130619\S130619B.docx