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Pa a <br /> open Space <br /> August 29, 2007 <br /> Larry Reed, Principal <br /> JRH Land Use Planning Division <br /> 4 D1Vt6!ON of P7B 0 WOR8$ 4765 Village Plaza Loop, Suite 201 <br /> 870 R000tvel BLVD Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> EUGEE;ECPEGON 9 /402 <br /> 041 682 4800 <br /> EA( 641' 6874887 <br /> Dear Larry, <br /> NONW EUGENE - U8 006 PARKS <br /> Thank you for your letter and consideration of our request to acquire a portion of the <br /> property you represent to provide access improvements to Gillespie Butte Park. As was <br /> discussed in our meeting on July 12, 2007, it appears that you propose to utilize park <br /> property for an extension of right of way to serve your development. In exchange for this <br /> use of park property, we discussed the possibility of acquiring additional property on <br /> your development site to facilitate construction of a small parking lot to serve the park <br /> site. We are disappointed that this proposal is not acceptable, but wish to continue our <br /> conversation on the matter. <br /> The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Project and Priority Plan, adopted in May of <br /> PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLANNING 2006 identified acquiring land for natural areas and access to Gillespie Butte Park as a <br /> priority one project. Furthermore, the Parks and Open Space Bond Measure, approved <br /> by Eugene voters in November of 2006, provided funding for the above mentioned <br /> PARK OPERATIONS project. Based on these two actions, the policy direction to acquire additional land and <br /> improve access to Gillespie Butte Park is clear. <br /> URBAN FORESTRY <br /> In your letter dated July 25, 2007, you asked that the City give consideration to several <br /> points. Our response follows: <br /> NATURAL RESOURCES <br /> a While it does appear that the park site's street frontage will be increased as a result of <br /> the development proposal, it is at a cost of park acreage. Based on the information <br /> sited above from the PROS Project and Priority Plan, Gillespie Butte Park requires <br /> additional property to improve access to the site rather than a loss of property. <br /> b. The landscape design for the proposed development does appear to be consistent with <br /> the Oak Savannah that comprises the park site. <br /> c. Changing the use of City property from parkland to right of way is not a simple <br /> exchange of public property and is not appropriate in this situation. Based on the <br /> policy direction of the PROS Project and Priority Plan and the 2006 Bond Measure, <br /> additional land is needed in the area of Gillespie Butte Park to better facilitate public <br /> use and access of the site. There is not a surplus of land that can be lost at Gillespie <br /> Butte Park. Furthermore, there is no substantial benefit to the park resulting from this <br /> proposal. <br /> EUGENE <br />