6/18/18 <br />Dear Mr. Bohner, <br /> I am writing in opposition to the proposed Lombard Apartments development (WG 18-3/SR 18-3/ARA <br />18-8). Please accept this document as part of the official testimony. <br /> For many years I have been an advocate for more compact urban growth, including higher density <br />housing. Many years ago, in my role as president of the Fairmount Neighborhood Association, and <br />member of the East Campus Special area Study group, I spoke in favor of these concepts and helped <br />include them in plans for that neighborhood. No one wants to see Eugene turn in to a Southern <br />California style strip mall. <br /> However, it is important to recognize that reaching our goals of responsible, compact, housing density <br />must not come at the expense of diminishing or damaging the livability of existing neighborhoods. <br />Citizens who have invested many years, and no small amount of their financial resources, to enhance <br />the value of their homes and their neighborhood should not be compelled to sacrifice their livability and <br />property values. It is my opinion that the proposed development on this parcel would do considerable <br />harm to our neighborhood and its inhabitants. The development is much too large, with too little <br />parking, for such a small area. <br />In addition I am dismayed at the total lack of citizen input in this matter. How is it that a prime piece of <br />river front property, owned by a public agency, is sold and extensive planning made as to how it should <br />be developed without a word of public input? Many of us here in the neighborhood suspect that the <br />June 27 th public hearing is merely a formality and, in reality, the proposed development is already a <br />done deal. I would ask you to delay implementation of the current proposal until suitable public <br />comment can be obtained. As local neighbors come forward with ideas regarding the development of <br />this parcel I hope you will give those ideas serious consideration and work with us to help generate a <br />workable solution----one that will benefit the City of Eugene and local residents, not fill the pockets of <br />out of state developers. <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Chuck Sowards <br />1450 E Briarcliff Ln. <br />Eugene, OR 97404 <br />541 514 8729 <br /> <br />