LTD W Eugene EmX Ext Project. Amazon Alignment Alternative

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• The Rexius property is zoned 1 -2 (industrial) and could provide development opportunities, with a wider buffer between the Rexius site and Amazon Channel. The area is underutilized; there is lots of redevelopment opportunity with EmX going through. A minimum 150 ft setback (per side) from top of the bank creates most viable habitat improvement area. • The Amazon alignment is not consistent with the City's parks and open space mission. Although there are suggested ways to help improve the concept, the City may not be able to support this project; it impedes the City's plans and goals for the Amazon Channel. It will be controversial. • There is an urban fabric here that the Channel is trying to weave its way through (a relatively ragged edge) and the EmX investment provides an opportunity to create an edge between the urban area and the natural resource. • EmX could be designed as an enhancement to the natural area and for pedestrians and cyclists who use it. • There was discussion about whether there are redevelopment opportunities in the area, the role of EmX in redevelopment and what mechanisms or tools would need to be in place for redevelopment to occur in the area. It was agreed that it would require a partnership between the City and LTD. Station areas present the greatest redevelopment opportunities. • The West Eugene Collaborative has been looking at concepts that need to be considered. • The City needs to protect the park resources and their commitments and obligations to improving the channel. Shading on the south side is most effective but the City is also looking at buffering. Shading and buffering require two different landscapes. • The buses are the real impact, not the guideway. If we don't buffer this, the recreational experience will be forever diminished. • Discussion about how parks provide a respite from the deluge of human activity and ways to reduce the impact of EmX and provide more of a buffer. • When talking about the buses being the greatest impact - it's important to consider the frequency of buses — every 5 -10 minutes on weekdays and every 10 -20 minutes on the weekend — it's not a lot of buses. • Discussion about the checks and balances in the system to ensure mitigation occurs as proposed. • Discussion about meeting the test of "prudent and feasible" under Section 4(f) of the US DOT Act. Determination of "prudence and feasibility" occurs after FEIS and before the ROD. • The LPA is selected by 3 jurisdictions. • Discussion about how LTD deals with taking parking spaces if the current number of spaces is non- conforming. LTD is currently dealing with this issue in Springfield and it's not held against the property owner. • LTD can only screen out alternatives based on extra ordinary costs. • The Cleveland BRT is an example of a coordinated project that allows for enhancement opportunities. • The City needs at least 10 feet from any resource and needs maintenance access. • Areas more prone to sloughing are the whole section currently under consideration; the worst area for sloughing is between Chambers and West 11` The City has information about the sloughing that they can provide to LTD, which can help determine costs to construct the facility. West Eugene EmX Extension DEIS Amazon Alignment 02.20.09 Work Session Meeting Notes 3.5.09 /P 4