Section 1: Willamette Greenway Permit Evaluation <br />EC 9.8815(1): To the greatest degree possible, the intensification, change of use, or <br />development will provide the maximum possible landscaped area, open space, or <br />vegetation between the activity and the river. <br />Approximately 0.6 acre of the subject property is within the Willamette Greenway boundary. <br />While a portion of area within the Greenway boundary includes the southern end of the hotel <br />structure, a fire lane, vehicle parking spaces, and landscaping, the majority of this area, which <br />exists between the proposed hotel structure and the River, will be restored with native <br />plantings and a pervious access trail that connects the proposed hotel to the Ruth Bascom <br />Riverbank Path (see applicant's WR Restoration Plan, Sheet L1.3). More specifically, the <br />applicant states that 60 percent of the area within the Willamette Greenway boundary <br />(approximately 16,000 square feet) will be landscaped. This is in addition to the required <br />landscaping that will be implemented throughout the hotel development site on the northern <br />portion of the property (see applicant's Landscape Plan, Sheets L1.1 and L1.2). <br />A number of 5 gallon trees will be planted within the restoration area, including Douglas fir, <br />Cascara buckthorn, and vine maple. As these trees grow they will provide significant screening <br />in the area between the River and the proposed hotel. Additional 1 and 2 gallon native shrubs <br />such as ocean spray, Oregon grape, sword fern and snowberry will be planted within the <br />restoration area. The area will also be barked with red fir which will increase its aesthetic value <br />and discourage the establishment of invasive non-native plants. To ensure landscaping is <br />implemented before a certificate of building occupancy is granted, the following condition is <br />warranted: <br />• Final landscaping consistent with the Landscape Plans and WR Restoration Plan (Sheets <br />1-1.1/1-1.2/1-1.3, revised 12-22-15) shall be installed before final occupancy. <br />Based on these findings and condition of approval, this criterion is met. <br />EC 9.8815(2): To the greatest possible degree, necessary and adequate public access <br />will be provided to and along the river by appropriate legal means. <br />This criterion is virtually met based on the fact that a public multi-use path already exists along <br />the River and is adjacent to the subject property. As shown on plan sheet L1.3, a pervious bark <br />trail is also proposed that will connect the subject property to the riverbank path. While a <br />concrete or asphalt path might provide better accessibility, impervious surfaces are not <br />permitted within the /WR Water Resources conservation setback area. <br />Based on these findings, this criterion is met. <br />Eugene Towneplace Suites (WG 16-1) June 2016 4 <br />HO Agenda - Page 4 <br />