highlighted a development problem in this area that should not exist and needs attention as the <br />next fire season is about to begin. During the event, people in the neighborhood received notice <br />to evacuate immediately, but the fire-fight required staging at, closing, and thus blocking the <br />only way out. <br />Both West Amazon Dr. and Owl Road are no outlet streets. I have lived at 5283 West Amazon <br />Dr since 1975, during which time three developments have been added such that there are now <br />31 houses on just under a mile of streets and side streets that have only one egress route - <br />through the closed intersection where the fire was being fought. As I understand it, this clearly <br />violates the intent of "rule of 19" (the limit of housing units that can be added to a single egress <br />route). That rule may have been applied only based on the number of units proposed in a single <br />development application. During the public hearing process for the last development review (the <br />addition of Senger Lane some 6 or 8 years ago), the issue of egress was dismissed, perhaps <br />because the maps used showed W. Amazon Dr as a through street to the intersection of W. <br />Amazon Dr and Martin Way (this "road" has been a dirt/gravel hiking trail for more than 50 <br />years). The "McKay tract" that was partly developed with the Senger Lane addition includes <br />what appears to be a 60 foot wide right of way to near the intersection of Fox Hollow and <br />Donald. The only other available way out of the area might be using the power line right of way <br />roads, also terminating near Fox Hollow and Donald. This graveled service road is accessible to <br />utility crews through locked gates. For either of these routes out the main obstacle may be the <br />Amazon Creek tributary that must be crossed (there is no publically accessible crossing to the <br />creek at that point). <br />Using one of these two potential tracks would be the only practical way to develop needed <br />egress. Access to the area of Fox Hollow and Martin Way is now through the most recently <br />purchased park area and not likely to be developed with a through road. <br />There was a recent lot validation review for property to be developed by Tom Waters and an <br />expected development proposal will be forthcoming. While I have some concerns about how the <br />development is handled (we own the immediately adjacent property downhill from Mr. Waters' <br />property), I am more concerned with this issue of egress for the safely of all the residents in this <br />area. I have spoken to both the Fire Department and the Emergency Response team in the past <br />two weeks. They are aware of the problem and I hope that this letter provides the City with <br />needed information to address this problem, whether or not there is a proposal for further <br />development. <br />I am available to meet and discuss this issue in detail if that would help to further clarify the <br />problem and potential solutions. <br />Thank you, <br />Richard Zeller <br />5283 W. Amazon Dr. <br />Eugene, OR 97405 <br />Phone: 541-554-9658 <br />Email: rwzellerLcomcast.net <br />