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~~ David Kelly, Ward 3
<br />r:,;.:_
<br />Of the many positive actions of the City Council over the past year, I would like to particularly highlight.
<br />~, ~ _ Out handling of the Police Commission recommendations regarding external review of police
<br />` ~ complaints, which culminated in the voter passage of Measure 20-106. I look forward to
<br />implementing the external review mechanisms in the coming year, which will benefit both the Police
<br />Department and the commui>ity at large.
<br />' The establislunent of a Iocalimprovement district that resulted in the paving of almost all substandard alleys in the West
<br />Uiilversity neighborhood. The safety and the aesthetics of the area have been helped by this major project.
<br />I am very pleased that the council's adopted priority issues this year include initiatives related to racial issues, homelessness,
<br />and neighborhoods. However, I am disappointed by the small amount of progress thus far and look forward to significant
<br />strides n~ 2006.
<br />Green Building
<br />Project Promotes
<br />Sustainable
<br />Building Practices
<br />The City is workingwith three proposed developments
<br />on a "green building" demonstration project intended
<br />to promote sustainable development and discover
<br />how the City can better support green building, Ciry
<br />staff provides technical support, consultation and
<br />expedited permit processing to the projects, and in
<br />doing so they learn about barriers and opportunities
<br />for sustainable development. The projects are: 1) the
<br />3rd and Mill Building, acommercial/residential infill
<br />project; 2) Fairmount Square Rowhouses on Walnut
<br />Street south of 15th Avenue; and 3) Crescent Village,
<br />a large-scale, mixed-use planned unit development
<br />in north Eugene. Staff selected the projects based
<br />on criteria addressing energy and water efficiency,
<br />waste reduction, natural stormwater management,
<br />natural resource protection and restoration, material
<br />durability and efficiency, and reduced single-occupant
<br />vehicle use.
<br />Page 12 City of Eugene ~ Highlights of 2005
<br />Delta Ponds Focus of Beneficial
<br />Projects
<br />The Delta Ponds have become a focal point for projects
<br />blending environmental restoration, recreation, and
<br />alternative transportation. Federal funding passed
<br />in August included $2.9 million for a bicycle and
<br />pedestrian path. A small parking area now serves the
<br />newNorthDelta Ponds trail, whichis beingconstructed
<br />through a partnership involving local Rotarians and
<br />other community volunteers. In September, officials
<br />from the Army Corps of Engineers, Mayor Piercy, and
<br />other dignitaries marked the initiation of a project to
<br />improve the flow of the Willamette River through the
<br />ponds, enhancing water quality and aquatic habitat.
<br />Eugene Wins Bid for Olympic Trials
<br />In October, representatives from Eugene, Lane County, the
<br />University of Oregon, and the Oregon Track Club traveled
<br />to Indianapolis to present Eugene's successful bid to host
<br />the 2008 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. The trials,
<br />expected to generate as much as $20 million for the local
<br />economy, will be the "crown jewel" of several weeks of sports, recreational, cultural, and arts-related
<br />events. The University's storied Hayward Field will be the venue for the event in June/July of 2008,
<br />which will provide Eugene with the opportunity to demonstrate that it is "The World's Greatest City
<br />for the Arts and Outdoors" and also, once again, "Track Town USA."
<br />Enterprise Zone Fosters Sustainable
<br />Job Development
<br />In July, a new enterprise zone was designated in west
<br />Eugene. The City and Lane County agreed on interim
<br />local standards for the program, as well as a strategy
<br />for jointly adopting permanent standards. The goal of
<br />the enterprise zone, as shaped by the local standards, is
<br />to retain, expand, and create businesses and jobs that
<br />simultaneously enhance the community's economic,
<br />social, and environmental well-being.
<br />Rental Housing Program Begins
<br />The new rental housing code, approved by the City
<br />Council in 2004 and implemented on July 1, 2005, sets
<br />minimum habitability standards for rental housing to
<br />safeguard health, safety, and public well-being. Staff
<br />provides assistance on rental housing issues to tenants,
<br />property owners, managers, neighbors, and other
<br />interested parties, and is promoting awareness of the
<br />program through public outreach.
<br />
<br />Downtown Revitalization Takes Off
<br />The current unprecedented interest in downtown is an
<br />affirmation of the City's adopted Growth Management
<br />policies and Downtown Plan goals, which created a
<br />shared vision and prepared the area for redevelopment.
<br />The landmark Wayne Morse Federal Courthouse is
<br />under construction. Whole Foods Market owners
<br />have signed a lease on property at Broadway and Mill,
<br />and the Oregon Research Institute is planning for a
<br />state-of--the-art "green" building across from the
<br />Eugene Public Library. The City continues to work
<br />for revitalization of downtown Eugene as a center for
<br />increased retail and office activity.
<br />City of Eugene ~ Highlights of 2005 Page 13
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