STAFF RECOMMENDATION: <br />This City-initiated land use application package represents the culmination of many years of planning <br />and extensive public process leading to this point, with the goal of fulfilling a strong community desire <br />and long-standing interest in redevelopment of the Downtown Riverfront site. The proposal has been <br />closely guided by, and customized to implement, the community's policies and Statewide Planning <br />Goals as reflected in the Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan, Metro Plan, Downtown Plan, Climate <br />and Energy Action Plan, Riverfront Urban Renewal Plan, and locally adopted natural resource <br />protections. <br />The proposal also supports implementation of the community's goals embodied in the Envision Eugene <br />Pillars, such as to: <br />• Promote compact urban development and efficient transportation options. <br />• Meet the City's 20-year multi-family housing need within the existing Urban Growth <br />Boundary and help meet affordable housing goals. <br />• Make compact urban development easier in the Downtown, on key transit corridors, and in <br />core commercial areas. <br />• Provide ample economic opportunities for all community members. <br />• Protect, repair, and enhance neighborhood livability. <br />• Protect, restore, and enhance natural resources. <br />• Provide for adaptable, flexible and collaborative implementation. <br />The proposed changes in land use regulations for the site are an important element of transforming <br />this site from its current "brownfield" (and largely vacant) industrial character into a vibrant part of the <br />Downtown core with commercial and residential uses that bring people to the river. Staff believes that <br />the proposal has the necessary elements to help realize the vision for creating a vibrant, pedestrian <br />friendly, mixed-use neighborhood with a new riverfront park. The proposal goes well beyond the basic <br />approval criteria and is a great example of what we hope to achieve through Envision Eugene. Staff <br />therefore strongly support approval of this land use application package and recommend that the <br />Planning Commission forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />A: Site Map <br />B: Illustrative Concept Plan <br />The full package of land use application materials including the draft code amendments, site plans, <br />findings addressing the applicable approval criteria, and a variety of supporting documentation will be <br />provided separately. These materials are also available on the City's website as noted above. <br />FOR MORE INFORMATION: <br />Please contact Will Dowdy, Urban Development Manager, Community Development Division by <br />phone: (541) 682-5340 or e-mail: wdowdv@eugene-or.gov. You may also contact Gabe Flock, Senior <br />Planner, by phone: (541) 682-5697, or e-mail: gflock@eugene-or.gov. <br />