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drainage way or park land, it may enhance the value of that feature. If the parcel will have a use <br /> as a stormwater quality feature it would thus enhance the stormwater system and benefit the <br /> community at large. One of the established goals in the City's efforts to acquire and manage <br /> wetlands and natural resource areas is to link areas together to create a continuous ecological <br /> system. A parcel which will help achieve this goal would be desirable for acquisition. <br /> Consistency with Existing Land Use Plans <br /> The parcel needs to be evaluated on the basis of the proposed use being consistent with <br /> established planning goals. (i.e. Metropolitan Area General Plan, and special study plans such <br /> as the Natural Resource Study, West Eugene Wetlands Special Area Study, and the Eugene Parks <br /> & Recreation Plan) <br /> Maintenance Requirements <br /> Maintenance issues will be critical factors to consider. Special maintenance needs at the time of <br /> acquisition may include the clean up of debris or illegal dumping and the correction of any safety <br /> hazards. Ongoing maintenance needs include compliance with City vegetation ordinances, <br /> periodic removal of illegally dumped garbage and debris, vandalism and graffiti repair, routine <br /> litter patrol, access control, and upkeep of recreation facilities such as hiking trails, bike paths <br /> and regulatory and informational signs. For example, a typical undeveloped parcel will annually <br /> require at least a perimeter cutting of grass , weeds, and blackberries for fire prevention, traffic <br /> visibility, and clearance along rights -of -way. Litter and garbage will need to be picked up on a <br /> regular basis. Consideration will need to be given to balance the impact this added maintenance <br /> liability with the City's ability to maintain current service levels in the rest of the parks and <br /> natural areas system. Taking on additional maintenance responsibilities requires either additional <br /> funding or a reduction in existing services. <br /> Topography. Access. and Location <br /> Topography, access and location determine the usefulness of the parcel. The steepness of the <br /> terrain may affect the suitability of the area for a particular proposed use, such as a hiking area or <br /> bike paths if the slope is too great. For allowing public use of the parcel as well as for allowing <br /> safety and maintenance equipment access, the parcel needs to have a ready means of public <br /> access and should not be landlocked. There may also need to be room to accommodate a certain <br /> level of public parking. The location of a parcel may significantly increase its usefulness. For <br /> example, being in a location in which the need for open space is great or located next to a school <br /> could increase its value. <br /> Non Conforming Uses <br /> Any existing non - conforming uses or illegal activities need to be evaluated. There may be <br /> structures present or current usage of the property which isn't allowable under zoning laws. <br /> Structures may need to be removed. If there is currently illegal activity such as camping or <br /> other unauthorized use of the site, this activity will need to be stopped. The site may be a <br /> "trouble area" with a history of illegal activities and vandalism. Also, we must be sure that the <br /> proposed use is consistent with zoning laws or the ability exists to change the parcels zoning. It <br /> 4 <br />