ff, -13 <br />s <br />1__~74 <br />ApEssex <br />GE_VER-AL CONSTRUCTION, INC. <br />October 8, 2013 <br />Becky Taylor <br />Associate Planner <br />City of Eugene <br />Re: Oakleigh Meadow Cohousing <br />Dear Becky: <br />I am writing to you in support of Oakleigh Meadow Cohousing (OMC). As a 30 year resident of <br />Eugene and president of Essex General Construction, I've been involved in construction projects in <br />Eugene and the surrounding area since 1975. Many of the buildings Essex has constructed since <br />2000 are multi-family housing, including market-rate, affordable and student housing. These <br />include two LEED Platinum and two LEED Gold developments. This experience has made it <br />essential that I understand the City's codes and its overall planning vision, as expressed in Envision <br />Eugene. Additionally, I've also read. extensively about cohousing, and reviewed OMC's plans. <br />I believe that OMC epitomizes the type of development encouraged by Envision Eugene, by utilizing <br />land within the urban growth boundary. Additionally, people living in this community can easily <br />access alternative modes of transportation, based on their proximity to the bike path and a major <br />bus line. The site is also within easy walking distance.of an elementary school, and neighborhood <br />businesses. These transportation attributes will lessen the residents' contribution to greenhouse gas <br />emissions, something we all support. The density of this development is less than what the site <br />could potentially accommodate based on City codes, and its design will enhance the surrounding <br />neighborhood. <br />I fully support OMC and encourage the City of Eugene to do the same. If you have any questions, <br />please contact me anytime. <br />Sincerely, <br />Jon Texter <br />Essex General. Construction, Inc <br />4284 W. 71' Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402 ® 541-342-4509 M wvnv.EssexGC.com ® CC8#54531 <br />640 <br />