Item B:Ordinance on EWEB Downtown Riverfront Property

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session and Possible Action: An Ordinance Concerning the Eugene Water & Electric Board Downtown Riverfront Property (City Files MA 12-1, RA 12-1, CA 12-4, Z 12-6 and WG 12-4) Meeting Date: July 8, 2013 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Gabe Flock www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5697 ISSUE STATEMENT The City Council will hold a work session to deliberate on the land use application package proposed to implement the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) Riverfront Master Plan. BACKGROUND The land use application package proposed by EWEB represents the culmination of many years of planning and extensive public process leading to this point, with the ultimate goal of fulfilling a strong community desire and long-standing interest in redevelopment of the EWEB’s downtown riverfront site. The proposal has been closely guided by, and customized to implement the community’s policies and Statewide Planning Goals as reflected in the Metro Plan, Downtown Plan, TransPlan, and adopted natural resource protections. In addition to working closely with the applicant team throughout development of the implementation tools, staff has reviewed the complete application package and concludes that it is wholly consistent with state and local planning goals and policies. In addition to being consistent with existing policy, the EWEB Master Plan is in line with and begins to implement many of the pillars of Envision Eugene, including the following:  Provide ample economic opportunities for all community members  Plan for climate change and energy resiliency  Promote compact urban development and efficient transportation options  Protect, repair, and enhance neighborhood livability  Protect, restore, and enhance natural resources  Provide for adaptable, flexible and collaborative implementation The proposed changes in land use regulations for the site are an important element of transforming this site from its current “brownfield” (and largely vacant) industrial character into a vibrant part of the Downtown core with commercial and residential uses that bring people to the river. The proposal goes well beyond the basic approval criteria, and is a great example of what can be achieved through Envision Eugene. S:\CMO\2013 Council Agendas\M130708\S130708B.doc