HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdmin Order 58-97-11
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. ~B-91- J t
of the
Public Works Department
City of Eugene, Oregon
Adopting the Owen Rose Garden Development Plan.
that:
The Executive Director of the Public Works Department of the City of Eugene finds
A. Pursuant to the Eugene Charter of 1976 the City Manager is the administrative
head of the City of Eugene, and as such, has authority to administer the development of City
parks or to delegate that authority to others.
B. The City Manager has delegated to me, as Executive Director of the Public Works
Department, authority to administer the acquisition and development of City parks and parkland,
consistent with adopted City policies.
C. On July 10, 1989, by Resolution No. 4127, the City Council adopted a Parks and
Recreation Plan (Master Plan) for the City, which contains adopted goals and policies for
development of City parks. The Master Plan also contains guidelines to be followed in making
administrative and budgetary decisions about parks and recreation acquisitions, development and
management consistent with those adopted goals and policies.
D. Consistent with the above authority, the Owen Rose Garden Development Plan
(March 1997), a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A hereto and incorporated herein by
reference, has been prepared, taking into consideration the following goals:
(1) Meeting the existing and future needs of the community through orderly
and systematic planning, implementation, and evaluation programs;
(2) Making a wide range of parks, programs and facilities available for
citizens and visitors of various ages, cultural backgrounds, abilities, interests, incomes, and
participation levels;
(3) Ensuring safe and convenient access to recreation lands and facilities;
(4) Involving the community in the planning of parks and recreational
facilities;
(5) Coordinating the provision of recreational and cultural services with the
plans and programs of other public agencies and private organizations;
(6)
community; and
Enhancing the environmental quality and visual character of the
(7) Maintaining, remodeling and upgrading park, recreational and cultural
facilities in order to respond to changing uses as well as attaining and preserving operational
efficiency.
E. In 1995 the Eugene Rose Society requested that the current Owen Rose Garden
Development Plan be modified to allow for improvements in the garden to enhance its
appearance, improve the display of heritage roses, create an outdoor space and community
building for small group gatherings, and to improve the park security. The current development
plan was approved through a conditional use review in 1985 (CD 85-23).
F. The planning process for updating the Owen Rose Garden began by City staff
meeting twice with a design subcommittee of the Rose Society to discuss the issues and
objectives. On February 12, 1996 a schematic design received unanimous support after it was
presented to the full Rose Society membership.
G. Neighborhood input was solicited at a Whiteaker Neighborhood meeting on
March 13, 1996. Questions on general horticultural practices at the rose garden and the need to
remove and replace the existing structure were answered, after which, those present expressed
general support for the proposed changes. A general public hearing was held on September 10,
1996 at the Campbell Senior Center, and although there was a small turnout, those present
expressed strong support for the development plan revisions.
H. Advertising for the public hearing was by a display ad in the 8/31/96 Register
Guard, press release, several postings at the Rose Garden site, and by mailing to an interested
party list.
I. On April 25, 1997 the Eugene Planning Director approved these changes to the
Owen Rose Garden Development Plan as a modification (MD 97-6) to the original conditional
use permit (CD 84-23). The only condition of approval was that the rose garden provide 12
long-term bicycle parking spaces. The Planning Division sent notice to all interested parties of
record for the original conditional use, and to all properties withing 300 feet of the site. Two
calls were received in response. One person supported installing gates for the rose garden that
would be locked at night and another was not supportive of the rose garden being locked up at
night.
J. Furthermore, Councilor Meisner in early May 1997 expressed concern over
pedestrian and bicycle access to the riverfront bike path if the rose garden was gated and closed
Administrative Order - 2
at night. In a telephone conversation, staff acknowledged to Councilor Meisner that prior to
actually installing any gates to the park, the issue would be given further study to try to lessen
impact to the users of the riverfront bikepath system.
K. Except as noted above, no further written or oral testimony has been received
following the hearing.
L. The Plan, presented in graphic form, is conceptual. The exact locations of various
improvements and their design and construction details will be addressed as the time of
implementation.
Now, Therefore,
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT OF
THE CITY OF EUGENE ORDERS AND DIRECTS THAT:
In addition to the above findings, which are hereby adopted, I have reviewed the Owen
Rose Garden Development Plan attached as Exhibit A, and the findings of the Planning Director
(MD 97-6) attached as Exhibit B hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and find that it is
consistent with the goals and policies of the Eugene Parks and Recreation Plan and other adopted
City policies. Therefore, the attached Owen Rose Garden Development Plan is hereby adopted,
and shall be accordingly implemented as resources permit.
Dated this fE!jday of June, 1997.
(ji()~~
Christine Andersen, Executive Director
Public Works Department
Administrative Order - 3
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EXHIBIT "B"
MEMORANDUM
April 23, 1997
TO: File
FROM: Donna Stegner
SUBJECT: MODIFICATION REOUEST FOR OWEN ROSE GARDEN (l\ID 97-6)
(Cll 84-23)
LOCATION:
At the north terminus of Jefferson Street, along the south side of
the WiIlamette River.
REQUEST:
Provide a long-range plan that will guide future improvements in
the City of Eugene's Owen Rose Garden Park.
ZONING:
PL Public Land
APPLICANT:
~~, 200, 300, 1500, and 1700-Assessor's Map 17-03-30-23, Tax
It 1200-Assessor's Map 17-03-30-31
City of Eugene Public Works Maintenance
TAX LOTS:
Background and Request
This application for a modification to the Owen Rose Garden Conditional Use Permit was
submitted to the City Permit and Information Center on March 13,1997. The original
Conditional Use Permit was granted on February 5, 1985, by the Eugene Hearings Official
for an 8.5 acre public park within the Willamette Greenway and partially within an area
zoned R-2 Limited Multiple-Family Residential District. (please see file CU 85-23.) There
were no conditions attached to the approval. Since the 1985 approval, the R-2 portion of the
rose garden was rezoned to PL, Public Land District. Public parks are an outright use
permitted in the PL zoning district. The entire park is within the Willamette Greenway.
Therefore, this request is for a modification to the portion of the Conditional Use Permit
that addressed the Willamette Greenway criteria. No change in the area of land allocated for
OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (CU 84-23)
Page 1
the park is requested.
The Owen Rose Garden Park originated with the donation of land and original plantings by
Mr. and Mrs. George E. Owen in 1950. Mr. Owen also agreed to match any initial funds the
City might provide for development of the park. In 1951, with the passage of a voter-
approved tax levy, monies were earmarked for the park. The official ground-breaking
ceremony was held on March 28,1951.
The Owen Rose Garden is one of 25 in the U.S. accredited by the All-American Rose
Society, giving it official status as a national test garden for experimental roses. By 1976, the
plantings, many which are All-American Rose Society award winners, had been increased to
a total of 2,900 rose bushes, and continues to increase annually. The Eugene Rose Society,
which donated the initial collection of roses, continues to assist in the development of the
park.
The Owen Rose Garden also contains a 130 year old cherry tree, the largest cherry tree in
Oregon, as well as one of the largest in the United States.
The subject request is for an Owen Rose Garden Development Plan which results in a
modification to the development plan previously approved for the Willamette Greenway
Conditional Use. The applicant indicates that this plan provides for changes to the rose
garden's development. There will not be any removal of existing riparian vegetation and
trees along the Willamette River. The major changes to the rose garden are listed below:
a. Replacement of the existing structure with a new structure to be used for group rental
and community activities;
b. Relocation of the existing maintenance function from the existing structure in the
middle of the park to the southwest corner of the park;
c. Construction of a large pergola for climbing roses;
d. Redesign and layout of new rose beds and lawn area in the southwestern portion of the
park;
e. Addition of a fountain and pond feature;
f. Addition of a gazebo;
g. Construction of new viewing paths for the heritage rose beds, and the paving of main
walks to improve accessibility;
h. The construction of entrance gates to the garden and extending the perimeter trellis
along the western side of the park.
This development plan is intended to be a long range document that will guide future
improvements in the park. No funding has been allocated or identified at this time for the
improvements, therefore it is impossible to predict any construction schedule for any of the
specific elements proposed in the park. The only exception is the 692 square foot
OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (CU 84-23)
Page 2
maintenance structure planned for construction in the spring of 1997, with the demolition of
the existing old building to take place immediately thereafter in the summer of 1997. The
Rose Society intends to use the approved development plan in their fund raising efforts, with
the intent to concentrate on the long pergola as a first priority. Note is made of the 1985
hearings Official's approval, in which no construction time lines were specified.
The development plan approved in 1985 provided for the construction of a new parking lot
for 60 automobiles, additional perimeter screening, three new arbors, conversion of an
existing single family house into a group rental facility with outdoor patio area, expanded
rose beds and lawn area, and a maintenance area with nursery space. Since the 1985
approval, the parking lot, one arbor, and a fenced maintenance area has been constructed.
At the request of the Eugene Rose Society in 1995, a study and redesign of the rose garden
was initiated to address the following needs:
- an area to display heritage and old garden roses,
- a pergola in the garden for rambling and climbing roses,
- screening some unsightly views,
- a small event area for receptions, weddings, etc.,
- increased security in the garden and better defined garden boundaries,
- replacement of the existing structure in the middle of the garden,
- additional water feature(s) in the garden,
- and, companion plant beds to increase the garden's appeal during late summer.
The applicant's statement indicates that the Rose Society formed a design sub-committee
which met with city parks staff on October 11, 1995, and February 6, 1996, to provide
direction in the redesign of the garden. On February 12, 1996, the development plan was
presented to the full Rose Society membership and received unanimous support.
Also, on March 13, 1996 the applicant presented the development plan at a Whiteaker
Neighborhood meeting. Some citizens had questions regarding the horticultural practices at
the Rose Garden and regarding the need to remove and replace the existing structure.
Their questions were answered and they were in general support of the proposed
modifications to the Rose Garden.
On September 10, 1996, the applicant held a public hearing regarding this proposal at the
Campbell Senior Center presenting the proposed changes to the Rose Garden Development
Plan. The applicant indicates that even though there was a small turn out, there was strong
support for the changes to the Rose Garden Development Plan.
A notice and a map were sent to all interested parties of record for the original conditional
use, and to all properties within 300 feet of the site. A referral was also sent to the Whiteaker
OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (CD 84-23)
Page 3
Neighborhood group. As of this date, the City has received two calls in response to the
notices. One call was from a neighbor to the park and another from a resident in the
neighborhood who is an active member of the Whiteaker Community Council neighborhood
group. The neighbor called to express gratitude that the plans indicate gates for the park and
that the gates would be closed and locked at night. She stated that she has experienced
incidences of transients and youth using the parking lot for overnight stays and parties,
respectively. On the other hand, the neighborhood resident called to express concerns about
the park being gated and locked at night because he liked to stroll through the park during
that time. In response, the applicant declares the purpose for the locked gates is to stop the
vandalism to the rose bushes and in some cases, theft of the rose bushes. He further
explained that pedestrians would still be able to access the garden and that the gates would
primarily prevent parking and loitering in the parking lot. No other responses have been
received.
The plans were referred to various City departments and service agencies for review and
comment. The respective requirements of these departments and agencies are incorporated
into the evaluation and conditions of approval for this modification request.
Findings and Evaluation
Eugene Code Section 9.260 states that the development of land in the city that is within the
Willamette River Greenway shall be in accordance with Planned Unit Development or
Conditional Use Procedures. Given the existing Conditional Use Permit (CU 84-23) for the
Rose Garden, it is appropriate to request modifications pursuant to the procedures governing
Conditional Use Permits (9.696 - 9.722).
Eugene Code Section 9.722(2) provides for the planning director to approve modifications
that are minor in nature and that result in insignificant changes in the outward appearance of
the development and impact on surrounding properties. The planning director's decision is
to be based upon the following findings:
Section 9.722(2)(a)1: The changes are consistent with the conditions of the original
approval.
As noted earlier, there were no conditions of approval stipulated in the approval of CU 84-
23. The proposed changes to the development plan are, however, consistent with the nature
and intent of the site development shown on the 1984 plan.
The existing house, shown on the approved 1984 site plan, was specified to be used for group
rental community building. A structural report in 1995 indicated that the cost to bring the
structure up to safety standards for this type of use would be cost prohibitive. Therefore, a
decision was made to replace the building with a new structure in the future when funding
OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (CU 84-23)
Page 4
became available. The intent remains to still have a facility in the same location which can be
used for group rental events. The existing structure is approximately 4,000 square feet in
floor area (including the garage). It is estimated that the size of a new facility in the same
location would be in the range of 2,600 to 3,200 square feet. The garden maintenance
activities now housed in the existing structure would be moved further away from the river
to the southwest corner of the site, in a graveled area now fenced off by a chain link fence
and used for maintenance and storage operations. The new community building would be
designed so that the total parking requirements would not exceed the 59 parking spaces to be
continued on the site.
The 1984 plan showed a future outdoor event area with arbor and approach walks. It was
planned that events such as outdoor weddings could take place here. The new plan for the
park continues this feature for an outdoor event area. Instead of an arbor, a gazebo is shown
where weddings, etc. could take place. Approach walks are also included in the new design.
The 1984 plan showed a future patio and arbor near the group rental building. The new
plan also incorporates an outdoor patio area with the future group rental building. The
notion of an arbor has been changed to a similar structure called a pergola. The pergola is
longer than what was shown on the 1984 plan, but serves the same function for roses to
climb on and provides a strong design element for visitor entry into the rose garden.
The addition of more rose beds and viewing paths is consistent with the purpose of the rose
garden. It will allow for the growing and public display of heritage and old garden roses.
Companion plant beds have been added to extend the late summer interest in the garden.
Considering the above and that no changes to the use as a park is contemplated, it can be said
that this modification to a Willamette Greenway Conditional Use is consistent with the
conditions of the original approval.
Section 9.722())W2: The site plan revisions will result in insignificant changes in
the outward appearance of the development and impact on the surrounding
properties.
The proposed changes to the rose garden will not be detrimental or have a negative effect on
the surrounding properties. The proposed changes will serve to enhance the outward
appearance of the rose garden and is designed to be compatible with the residential character
of the neighborhood. All of the rose beds, trees, lawn areas and paths in the northern half of
the site will remain the same which is the most visible area to the Willamette River. All
significant vegetation in the southern half of the Rose Garden, trees over eight inches d.b.h.
and plant buffer along the southern border of the site, will remain intact. The site
improvements have been planned to preserve all significant existing vegetation.
OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (eU 84-23)
Page 5
No additional parking is proposed in the park. In fact, one of the existing parking spaces is
planned for removal to accommodate the pergola entrance.
Due to deteriorating conditions, the existing structure, that has been used for community
meeting space and maintenance operations, has been closed and is planned for demolition in
the summer of 1997. Plans are to replace it in the future when funding becomes available
with a similar I-story community building in the same location. The existing structure is
approximately 4,000 square feet in area, including the attached garage. The future
community building is expected to be approximately 3,000 square feet in area, and will
require no more parking than the 59 spaces existing on site at this time. The structure will
use natural materials and colors to be compatible with the surrounding residential character.
The maintenance operations will be housed in a small, 792 square foot building in the
southwest corner of the site. The structure will have metal siding and roofmg, and future
plans may include covered bay extensions on either end of the building. It will be located in
an existing graveled area that is already fenced off from the rest of the site and has been used
for maintenance storage. Evergreen vegetation will be planted along the southern border to
provide screening for the residential uses to the south.
The proposed fountain, pool, gazebo, pergola, sculpture locations, trellis extensions, rose bed
and walk additions, and additional plantings are normal park amenities that will enhance the
appearance of the park.
The rose garden is bordered by the Washington - Jefferson street bridge ~n the east, the
Willamette River on the north, School District 4-J's administrative and maintenance facility
on the west, and residential dwellings to the south. In addition to the proposed screening to
be added on the south side of the site, additional screening with roses on a trellis structure is
proposed for the western property .line.
Given all of the above, it can be said that the site plan revisions will result in insignificant
changes in the outward appearance of the development and impact on the surrounding
properties.
Section 9.722(2)(a)3: The site will remain consistent with applicable permit
criteria.
The hearings official's fmdings approving cu 84-23 cited the following criteria in Italic font
from the Eugene Code that are pertinent to the Willamette River Greenway:
Section 9.260(2)(a}: The intensification, change in use, and development will provide
for maximum possible landscaped area, open space, and vegetation between the
activity and the river.
OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (CD 84-23)
Page 6
The northern half of this 8.5 acre site, which is adjacent to the river will not be changed. All
the trees and vegetation will remain as they exist at this time.
As the earlier development plan proposed to add vegetation in the form of rose beds, lawn,
and screening, so too does the modifications being proposed in the current development plan.
The rose beds and lawn area in the southern half of the site will be redefmed and actually
increase the amount of vegetation on the site.
The existing development plan shows an outdoor patio to be built on the northeast side of the
community rental building, facing the river. The new proposal is to relocate the outdoor
patio to the west side of the building and to add companion planting beds on the side of the
building which faces the river.
One of the changes in this proposal is to remove and replace the older structure, that is in the
middle of the park, with a new community rental building. The existing building is
approximately 4,000 square feet in area, including the garage. The new building will be
significantly smaller with approximately a 25 % reduction in floor area. The existing
structure is approximately 300 feet from the river bank, the new building will be in the same
location. Part of the function the old structure served was to house the maintenance activities
in the park. This activity is proposed to be relocated further away from the river to the
southwest comer of the site, approximately 550 feet from the river bank. This will serve to
increase the amount of open space and vegetative screening between the maintenance activity
and the river.
Section 9.260(2)(b): necessary public access will be provided to and along the river by
appropriate legal means.
The present site development provides for public access to the river from the terminus of
Jefferson Street through the rose garden on gravel paths. A proposal on the new plan is to
install a hard surface on the existing major loop path. This will improve the access to the
river and provide access for the mobility impaired. The existing bike path that runs along the
south bank of the Willamette river will remain unchanged. Comments received from the City
Land Use Management Section note that the plans indicate eight bicycle parking spaces which
is the minimum required for the proposed new building. Because the Rose Garden is located
at an important connection point between bike path systems, more parking spaces to
accommodate users should be provided. In addition, it is recommended that the spaces be
improved as long-term spaces. Plans for the location and improvements shall be coordinated
with the City Land Use Management Section.
With the inclusion of additional spaces for bicycle parking and the positive findings pertinent
Willamette Greenway Criteria, this proposal is consistent with the conditional use approval.
OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (CD 84-23)
Page 7
Decision
Based on the above Findin~s and Evaluation and information submitted by the applicant,
approval for a modification to the Owen Rose Garden Conditional Use Permit is hereby
granted subject to the following condition:
1. In addition to the eight bicycle parking spaces proposed, four more parking spaces
for a total of 12 shall be provided. The spaces shall be improved as long-term
spaces. Plans for the location and improvements shall be coordinated with the
City Land Use Management Section.
(For more information regarding the above condition, contact Kevin Finney at
687-5481.)
Approval Date: r:f1~ 2~, I ?jt17
Approval Granted BY~~~for Jan Childs,
J er J a on Eugene Planning Director
OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (CD 84-23)
Page 8