Item B: South Willamette Concept Plan Update

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South Willamette Concept Plan 3. THE CHALLENGE Key Challenges and Opportunities One of the key objectives of extensive public discussions, including listening sessions and focus groups, was to explore the range of issues facing the district both challenges and opportunities. Not surprisingly, some defining features of the project are at the top of both lists, for example South Willamette Street itself. While many more specific challenges and possibilities exist within the district, the following outline captures those that are most central to the goals of this planning effort. Key Challenges District -Wide • The district is used by many different people with different values and needs • Many current businesses are viable but vulnerable to the impacts of change • New development and redevelopment will impact current residents • Existing neighborhoods within and adjacent to the district are currently desirable • Some currently affordable housing in the district could be displaced by more expensive housing through redevelopment • The district lacks a "center" • Grade changes across the district create design challenges for streets and buildings Transportation • South Willamette Street is unattractive and dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists • Conflicts exist between the needs of commuters and those visiting local destinations along Willamette Street • Changes to South Willamette Street may impact current business owners • Pedestrian connections are lacking within the district and to some adjacent neighborhoods, e.g. College Hill • Bike access is poor within the district, in particular on Willamette Street • Access from one business to another is difficult and requires customers to drive in between • Connections are poor across Amazon Parkway to Amazon Park • Parking is fragmented and creates an unpleasant pedestrian experience Building Form • Current code allows buildings that are out of scale with district, e.g. 120' tall • The relationship of buildings to the street doesn't work well for a walkable district • Some existing buildings detract from the character of the district Parks, Plazas and Green Space • The district lacks public plazas for community gathering • The district lacks pockets of semi - public space or green space • Some nearby parkland lacks amenities that could serve the neighborhood, e.g. near the Amazon Community Garden Key Opportunities Characteristics of the Area • The area already has many qualities of a 20- minute neighborhood upon which to build • A long- standing desire to improve Willamette Street promotes interest and engagement • An active business association (SoBA) currently supports district -wide improvement efforts. • Interest is growing in living in diverse housing types in the area. • The area offers a variety of successful businesses and is a popular destination for shopping and entertainment • The market is more favorable for redevelopment in the South Willamette area than in many other areas of town • There is investor interest in potential redevelopment in the district • The area is experiencing change, highlighting the need for planning • A variety of parks are already available near the district, including Amazon Park • Grant funding has been received to address short- and mid -term improvements to Willamette Street; the project is currently underway Broader Community Trends • Transportation improvements for the area are a high priority in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan • Interest is growing for active travel modes such as walking, biking and transit 20 ■ City of Eugene