May 6, 2026 <br /> 2225 McLean Blvd. <br /> Eugene, OR 97405 <br /> <br />Mr. Nicholas Gioello, Planning and Development <br />City of Eugene <br />via email to: NGioello@eugene-or.gov <br /> <br />Reference: PDF 25-01 and SDR 25-02 / Braewood Hills 3rd Addition <br /> <br />Mr. Gioello: <br /> <br />Following the public hearing held on April 29, 2026, I wish to provide comment into the public record <br />regarding the goal of the neighborhood group known as Save Videra Oak Meadow (SVOM). <br /> <br />SVOM has consulted with Eugene Parks and Open Space regarding the suitability of the property to be <br />entered into Parks inventory and the interest the Department might have in acquiring this property. Parks <br />and provided an affirmative response to both questions of suitability and interest. Since there is no city <br />budget to purchase this land from the owner, SVOM is conducting a capital campaign to raise the funds <br />necessary to purchase the property. It is likely that SVOM will be aided in this endeavor by Eugene Parks <br />Foundation which recognizes the value of the property as an addition to city inventory. <br /> <br />The intention for this property as a park is to preserve it in as much of its existing natural state as <br />possible, and to restore and or enhance any areas that have been degraded by previous human activity. <br />Eugene Parks would utilize the property as an “Interpretive Park” for educational and contemplative <br />purposes. Development would be kept to a minimum, for the purposes of installing educational signage, <br />interactive nature displays, walking paths of natural materials, and seating. Additionally, potential exists <br />to link the property into Eugene’s Ridgeline Trail System. <br /> <br />The property, as has been copiously documented throughout this proceeding, comprises one of the last <br />remaining remnants of oak savanna, once a dominate ecosystem in the Willamette Valley, but now <br />reduced to less than 2% of its original landmass. The property contains a multitude of naturally occurring <br />wetlands that offer quality habitat for wildlife, flora and fauna, and provide water filtering services to <br />Videra Creek which flows into the water quality limited Amaz on Creek. The hydrology and climate- <br />adapted oaks serve as a natural firebreak. <br /> <br />This property holds greater value to the community as a park that all can enjoy versus altering it forever <br />into high-end housing. A significant reason the property hasn’t been developed to date is due to the <br />challenges presented by draining the wetlands and installing complex stormwater systems. Doing so will <br />require great expense and will be limited by seasonal time constraints and environmental restrictions <br />imposed and monitored by Oregon DEQ and the City of Eugene. <br /> <br />My hope is that Mr. Lundstrom and his representatives will understand the greater good this property <br />serves as a park, and thus, will engage in negotiation with SVOM to reach price and terms. If the intent to <br />develop for housing goes forward, it will take years and deep financial outlay before costs are recovered, <br />with profit only following long afterward if at all. Mr. Lundstrom may easier and more quickly realize the <br />Piculell Foundation’s goal of supporting the Crossroads Academy by entering into an agreement to <br />purchase with SVOM, who will then enact a property transfer to Eugene Parks and Open Space. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br />Keri Green