River Road/Santa Clara Urban Services Committees Final Report and Recommendations

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CO E STATEMENTS o I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the work of this committee over the past 21 months. While I have lived in Eugene since 1964 and in Santa Clara specifically for 28 years, I found I really didn't understand how all the services we receive are provided and the background of how and why. During this process I have become more knowledgeable and understand the intricacies of providing service to the residents of River Road and Santa Clara. My only regret is that what sticks out in my mind is the - vast input from City employees during our meetings and very little from the County. What I now realize is that there are examples of services that work for both areas, services that work for one area, i.e:; River' Road Park District, and some that are lacking in both areas,_i,e., library services. There is a complex web of agreements holding services together. Committee members have heard me say that "if I wanted to live in the City of Eugene, I would have moved there." During these many months I have found no all encompassing reason for annexing the area tomorrow. I would like the City Council and County Commissioners to look at the report our committee has written and any recommendations made therein, then have a frank discussion about what each entity is capable and willing to do to provide services to City and County residents. Thank you. - , 1•~~ When the River Road /Santa Clara Advisory Committee was formed, I signed up to be a member in the hopes that I could help to make a difference to our community and possibly help to have a small part in keeping our community a peaceful place to live. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley (the suburb of Los Angeles), I saw a farm area which mainly consisted of a small housing area and orange groves, grow into afast-paced metropolis. My wish is to ask the City of Eugene to realize what is happening to our area of Santa Clara and River Road. I hope that they will take a long look at the lack of cohesion that has occurred because of many hasty decisions. This area needs a sense of pride and commitment to our community. The Santa Clara and River Road residents were told to put in sewers. These residents were not allowed to have a say on the ballot which proposed sewer work; however, the measure passed. The homeowners grudgingly paid for the services and went along with the requirements proposed by the City of Eugene. As soon as the sewers were in place, the city began approving new housing developments, not a few, but a lot. The lack of planning has caused many problems to this area. The Santa Clara and River Road areas have become a checker board of services, housing styles, unfinished roads, a considerable amount of traffic and a lot of confusion. 60