BOHNER Rodney T <br />From: Gordon Griffin <gorgrif@gmail.com> <br />Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2021 3:15 PM <br />To: BOHNER Rodney T <br />Subject: 1400 Cross Street Metro Plan/Refinement Plan Amendment & Zone Change <br />Dear Rodney, <br />I wasn't able to attend the zoom session for this meeting but did want to share a few thoughts as a longtime resident of <br />the area (we live on Bailey Ave). My neighbor Paul Cziko submitted comments earlier today and my feelings about the <br />proposed changes would very much echo his well written perspective of the issues involved. <br />The idea of a zone change from industrial to mixed use, inclusive of residential, is an appealing one. But there are 2 <br />issues of major concern for our family. Traffic impacts are probably the biggest concern. Based on documents presented <br />the capacity for handling more traffic on Railroad Blvd is already close to saturation, even without additional <br />development. The residents on Bailey, Cross, and N Polk would be subject to more difficult and lengthy access. Whether <br />by auto, bicycle, pedestrian, or handicapped pedestrian there will need to be improvements to maintain traffic flow and <br />access to Railroad. <br />The other issue is building height, which is of course also related to housing density. I am categorically opposed to any <br />structure over 3 stories high. There are already numerous apartment buildings in the area and I don't think the need for <br />high density housing, or the space for it given the site's size and location, is essential or advisable or compatible with the <br />Whiteaker Neighborhood Plan. Additional stories of apartment type housing would also increase the already difficult <br />traffic load that will result from just 2-3 stories of new housing. <br />Most importantly we want to make sure the eventual property owners will understand our concerns and incorporate <br />them into their plans. The preservation of our neighborhood health and character is an essential part of whatever comes <br />after the zone change and plan amendment. <br />Thank you for your consideration of our input. <br />Gordon, Kathleen, and Logan Griffin <br />1375 Bailey Ave <br />Eugene, OR 97402 <br />