residents and visitors alike to see, at a glance, that Eugene is not just keeping up with the <br />cultural offerings of major cities, but leading in some respects. These artists aren’t <br />coming here by accident. They're choosing this club and this town because something <br />real is happening here and the signage should reflect that. This location previously hosted <br />a sign that remained for over 30 years. Any decision made today about what replaces it is <br />effectively a decision about how the city will present itself for the next several decades. <br />The city is under unique pressure as a result. A generic, static marquee that is already <br />outdated will still be there in 2035 unless we are allowed a digital sign that reflects the <br />vibrancy, creativity, and cultural energy already thriving in the heart of our city. This is <br />about more than just one business, it’s about the identity and perceived modernity of the <br />city itself. By granting this variance, the city of Eugene sends a strong message: that it <br />values the arts, supports small business innovation, and is proud of its cultural <br />accomplishments. This signage will become part of the city’s fabric and character, <br />symbolizing that Eugene is a thriving, modern city with world-class entertainment and a <br />bright future. <br />The approval of this variance will not harm public health, safety, or welfare, nor will it <br />negatively affect surrounding properties. Instead, it will create a fairer and more competitive <br />environment while maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood. I respectfully request that this <br />variance be granted to allow my business to operate on equal footing with similar venues in the <br />immediate area. <br />(4) In addition to the above criteria, the following 3 criteria apply to variances from code <br />sections that apply to EC 9.6410 Motor Vehicle Parking Standards, and from <br />EC 9.2000 to 9.3980 base zone regulations as applied to fences and walls. <br />RESPONSE: <br />The additional criteria outlined in EC 9.6410 (Motor Vehicle Parking Standards) and EC 9.2000 <br />to 9.3980 (Base Zone Regulations for Fences and Walls) do not apply to this variance request. <br />This request pertains solely to electronic signage and does not involve parking, fences, or walls. <br />(a) Neither present nor anticipated future traffic volumes generated by the use of the site or uses <br />of the sites in the vicinity reasonably require strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of <br />the specified regulation. <br />RESPONSE: <br />The presence of an electronic sign at Olsen Run Comedy Club will not negatively impact current <br />or future traffic volumes in the vicinity, nor does the nature of traffic in the area reasonably <br />necessitate a strict interpretation of the signage regulation.