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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment – Hearings Official Remand HearingBERG-JOHANSEN Erik From: catlinwade@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2016 3:27 PM To: BERG-JOHANSEN Erik Subject: Laurel Ridge Pending Land Use Action City File Z 155 Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Dear Erik Berg, I am writing you on behalf of my husband, Richard Catlin, and myself, J'nene Wade, to voice our concerns regarding the rezoning of the Laurel Ridge area of town. We live on Dogwood Drive, just off of Spring Blvd., on the south side of 30th Avenue. At least weekly, we walk the Ribbon Trail which connects 30th Avenue with Hendricks Park. It is a lovely walk through treasured, undeveloped property. A rezoning of this area would have a very negative and destructive impact on this land. The land is heavily used by migrating birds and local wildlife. It is certainly a 'near-by nature' site, offering an escape from the city bustle for innumerable residents of Lane County and the City of Eugene. There has been much opposition to this rezoning. This area is certainly as worthwhile as the head water's of Amazon Creek which developers wanted to build on, thus ruining a unique site. It is our understanding that the ground is unstable, that it is in a slide zone. It makes no logical sense to build in an area such as this. We are urging you to use your voice to oppose this rezoning. Sincerely, J'nene Wade and Richard Catlin Sent from my iPad NLUEIV mod' 1 2L1~; Erik Berg Johansen Hearing Official c/o Erik Berg Johansen Assistant Planner Assistant Planner City of Eugene Planning Division Eugene Planning Division erik.berg@ci.eugene.ci.eugene.or.us 99 West 10th Avenue Eugene, Or. 97401 The End Of River View Street, north of 30th Avenue, west of Moon Mountain I am very pleased to receive your notice about the second Public Hearing to reconsider the boundary lines between the "low density residential zoning" 400 homes) and the Parks and Open Spaces area between The End of River View Street, north of 30th Avenue, and west of Moon Mountain. The new proposed subject site is a big improvement from the original development plan. My hopes are that you and your fellow City Planners will see the benefit of restricting the development sites to one specific area . Breaking up this beautiful wooded area will have devastating consequences on the surrounding environment. The plan of building "Low Density Residential Areas" in multiple places reminds me of clear cutting a forest and leaving a stand of three or four trees here and there. I have heard arguments from our cities Parks and Open Spaces department, that South Eugene has enough paths that lead to the Ridge Line Trail System, enough of their share of Parks and Open Spaces, too many compared to the rest of the city. This area is a beautiful geological fact. Everyone in Eugene, all of Lane County, and people visiting from other countries will remember and enjoy it. Personally I feel a sense of pride that it has remained. I thank the trees for being there, and sharing themselves with me. I say this out loud. People are losing their touch with the natural world. They don't care about it because they don't see it, don't touch it, don't smell it, and don't hear it. What a great experience it would be to show children how everyone can help save a little bit of nature in their own city. Maybe they would understand that woods and open spaces don't = development or _ Hopefully they will learn that this equation is not good for humanity. Not good for all living things. I have shared my feelings of the beauty and solitude of this area with many hikers, bikers, bird watchers, black berry pickers, every one who enjoys this gift. Each person is awe struck that this area is here in Eugene. When I tell these people that these forests will be divided and that there are plans to develop most of the area into subdivisions, they are very angry and very very sad. "Where do I write to?" "Who do I write to?" "What can I do?" Most feel a sense of hopelessness. "Why don't we hear about these things?" "Nothing will ever change." "City planners work with developers, they see money." There is a sense of apathy. I've walked these woods for years. The beauty and diversity are enormous. The variety of trees, the bird calls, many hawks, osprey, tree bats, wild flowers that I have never seen before. I have even seen the elusive Bob Cat. Many native Oregonians never see a Bob Cat in their life time! I feel proud that these elusive animals feel secure enough to stay. There is at least one spring I hear that flows all year round. I would like to ask every person on The City Planning Commission, all The City Commissioners, The Mayor and the out of state developers, (why is this happening?) to take an afternoon walk through this wild wooded area. I hope that they will understand the importance of this proposal. What will happen to the wild life if this area is broken up? The balance of nature will be effected. The deer and plethora of raccoon and opossum will over populate. Their natural predators will be forced to leave. Doesn't it make sense that people will report seeing a cougar in their back yard and deer eating their gardens? When habitat shrinks animals become pests to get rid of. Who was here first? Finally there is the very real danger of over burdening fire fighting recourses. Read the USDA Fire Fighting Resources. Saving homes has become as important, or more important than saving forest these days. "This fire is not contained, but so far no structures have been damaged." You hear it on the news almost every night during fire season. Every summer this problem grows and grows as the wild fires increase, the climate dries, and summers start sooner and end later. People, (usually with high incomes who can afford building or buying a home in the woods) want to build away from the city and look out their windows at the beautiful wooded landscape. There is some illogical thinking going on here. Even though many in Eugene no nothing of this proposal. After I explain it to them, they are outraged! I have not met a person who doesn't feel strongly that their voices must be heard. Something must change. Planners and developers must listen. Many in Eugene and surrounding areas are working very hard to convince the City Planners and Developers, that YES we can make changes ! Why do we find it so easy to hear plans of developing new buildings, new shopping areas, and more expensive student housing? Why don't we hear about the environment that surrounds us? The areas we all can enjoy? How about sustainability? Has any of our cities Planning Division communicated with Portland's Urban Sustainability Commissioners? Nick Fish, Amanda Fritz, Steve Novick, and Dan Saltzman? Why are the majority of these Developers from out of state? It's our city. It takes many voices to move a mountain of bureaucrats. We will be heard. Thank You C IS, September 7, 2016 '-El""EIVE 3.11 Erik Berg-Johansen 1 Lane County Public Service 125 East 8th Ave Eugene, Cr 97401 Dear Mr. Berg-Johansen I am very interested in the Laurel Ridge (Z 15-5) application as I live on 30th Ave. and have been confronted with the increased amount of traffic in recent years. Approving a large subdivision such as Laurel Ridge will impact the safety of travel on 34th Ave. The most obvious problem is where the road becomes one-lane. Drivers are using the Kimberly-Agate refuge lane as a passing lane which requires them to increase speed just before the curve. I have been sitting in the turn lane to get into my driveway and have seen this happen on many occasions. We have lived here for over 25 years and have witnessed accidents and one death on this curve. Also, at commute time the single line back up for cars turning on Hilyard to go to Southeast Eugene, can start beyond Camas Ridge School. I have enclosed a picture taken at approximately 4:00 PM_ With more traffic converging at this point into a single lane, Camas Ridge School children and families crossing at University and cars turning onto University and Harris, the increase in traffic could present many dangers even with the safety lights that have been installed and the new flashers that will be coming. If the city does approve Laurel Ridge I would like to propose safety ridges plates on the road, such as are on Cascade Highway when approaching Highway 58. They alert drivers that they are coming to a change and to be alert. don't think anyone would deny 30th Ave is heavily traveled now and adding to it would not be welcomed . I hope the city will consider the consequences of approving Laurel Ridge and its consequences on 30th Ave. Thank you, Sandra Hughes 1545 E. 30th Ave Eugene, Or 97405 jash44@comcast.com '111, OWN ~ ~x rb - i Erik Berg Johansen Assistant Planner City of Eugene Plamung Division erik.berg@cl.eugene.ci-eugene.or.us The End Of River View Street, north of 30111 Avenue, west of Moon Mountain I am very pleased to receive your notice about the second Public Hearing to reconsider the boundary lines between the "low density residential zoning" 400 homes) and the Parks and Open Spaces area between The End of River View Street, north of 3011 Avenue, and west of Moon Mountain. The new proposed subject site is a big improvement from the original development plan. My hopes are that you and your fellow City Planners will see the benefit of restricting the development sites to one specific area . Breaking up this beautiful wooded area will have devastating consequences on the surrounding environment. The plan of building "Low Density Residential Areas" in multiple places reminds me of clear cutting a forest and leaving a stand of three or four trees here and there. I have heard arguments from our cities Parks and Open Spaces department, that South Eugene has enough paths that lead to the Ridge Line Trail System, enough of their share of Parks and Open Spaces, too many compared to the rest of the city. This area is a beautiful geological fact. Everyone in Eugene, all of Lane County, and people visiting from other countries will remember and enjoy it. Personally I feel a sense of pride that it has remained. I thank the trees for being there, and sharing themselves with me. I say this out loud. People are losing their touch with the natural world. They don't care about it because they don't see it, don't touch it, don't smell it, and don't hear it. What a great experience it would be to show children how everyone can help save a little bit of nature in their own city. Maybe they would understand that woods and open spaces don't = development or _ Hopefully they will learn that this equation is not good for humanity. Not good for all living things. I have shared my feelings of the beauty and solitude of this area with many hikers, bikers, bird watchers, black berry pickers, every one who enjoys this gift. Each person is awe struck that this area is here in Eugene. When I tell these people that these forests will be divided and that there are plans to develop most of the area into subdivisions, they are very angry and very very sad. "Where do I write to?" "Who do I write to?" "What can I do?" Most feel a sense of hopelessness. "Why don't we hear about these things?" "Nothing will ever change." "City planners work with developers, they see money." There is a sense of apathy. I've walked these woods for years. The beauty and diversity are enonnous. The variety of trees, the bird calls, many hawks, osprey, tree bats, wild flowers that I have never seen before. I have even seen the elusive Bob Cat. Many native Oregonians never see a Bob Cat in their life time! I feel proud that these elusive animals feel secure enough to stay. There is at least one spring I hear that flows all year round. I would like to ask every person on The City Planning Commission, all The City Commissioners, The Mayor and the out of state developers, (why is this happening?) to take an afternoon walk through this wild wooded area. I hope that they will understand the importance of this proposal. What will happen to the wild life if this area is broken up? The balance of nature will be effected. The deer and plethora of raccoon and opossum will over populate. Their natural predators will be forced to leave. Doesn't it make sense that people will report seeing a cougar in their back yard and deer eating their gardens? When habitat shrinks animals become pests to get rid of Who was here first? Finally there is the very real danger of over burdening fire fighting recourses. Read the USDA Fire Fighting Resources. Saving homes has become as important, or more important than saving forest these days. "This fire is not contained, but so far no structures have been damaged." You hear it on the news almost every night during fire season. Every summer this problem grows and grows as the wild fires increase, the climate dries, and summers start sooner and end later. People, (usually with high incomes who can afford building or buying a home in the woods) want to build away from the city and look out their windows at the beautiful wooded landscape. There is some illogical thinking going on here. Even though many u1 Eugene no nothing of this proposal. After I explain it to them, they are outraged! I have not met a person who doesn't feel strongly that their voices must be heard. Something must change. Planners and developers must listen. Many in Eugene and surrounding areas are working very hard to convince the City Planners and Developers, that YES we can make changes ! Why do we find it so easy to hear plans of developing new buildings, new shopping areas, and more expensive student housing? Why don't we hear about the environment that surrounds us? The areas we all can enjoy? How about sustainability? Has any of our cities Planning Division conununicated with Portland's Urban Sustainability Commissioners? Nick Fish, Amanda Fritz, Steve Novick, and Dan Saltzman? Wliy are the majority of these Developers from out of state? It's our city. It takes many voices to move a mountain of bureaucrats. We will be heard. P, c,,~c t, f RECEIVer SEP 0 3 ~ CiPY 0 F E I U,i&4: PLANNING Erik Berg Johansen Assistant Planner City of Eugene Planning Division erik.berg@cl.eugene.ci.eugene.or.us The End Of River View Street, north of 30th Avenue, west of Moon Mountain I am very pleased to receive your notice about the second Public Hearing to reconsider the boundary lines between the "low density residential zoning" 400 homes) and the Parks and Open Spaces area between The End of River View Street, north of 30th Avenue, and west of Moon Mountain. The new proposed subject site is a big improvement from the original development plan. My hopes are that you and your fellow City Planners will see the benefit of restricting the development sites to one specific area . Breaking up this beautiful wooded area will have devastating consequences on the surrounding enviromnent. The plan of building "Low Density Residential Areas" in multiple places reminds me of clear cutting a forest and leaving a stand of three or four trees here and there. I have heard arguments from our cities Parks and Open Spaces department, that South Eugene has enough paths that lead to the Ridge Line Trail System, enough of then share of Parks and Open Spaces, too many compared to the rest of the city. This area is a beautiful geological fact. Everyone in Eugene, all of Lane County, and people visiting from other countries will remember and enjoy it. Personally I feel a sense of pride that it has remained. I thank the trees for being there, and sharing themselves with me. I say this out loud. People are losing their touch with the natural world. They don't care about it because they don't see it, don't touch it, don't smell it, and don't hear it. What a great experience it would be to show children how everyone can help save a little bit of nature in their own city. Maybe they would understand that woods and open spaces don't = development or _ Hopefully they will learn that this equation is not good for humanity. Not good for all living things. I have shared my feelings of the beauty and solitude of this area with many hikers, bikers, bird watchers, black berry pickers, every one who enjoys this gift. Each person is awe struck that this area is here in Eugene. When I tell these people that these forests will be divided and that there are plans to do , develop most of the area into subdivisions, they are very angry and very very sad. "Where do I write to?" "Who-do I write to?" "What can I do?" Most feel a sense of hopelessness. "Why don't we hear about these things?" "Nothing will ever change." "City planners work with developers, they see money." There is a sense of apathy. I've walked these woods for years. The beauty and diversity are enormous. The variety of trees, the bird calls, many hawks, osprey, tree bats, wild flowers that I have never seen before. I have even seen the elusive Bob Cat. Many native Oregonians never see a Bob Cat in their life time! I feel proud that these elusive animals feel secure enough to stay. There is at least one spring I hear that flows all year round. I would like to ask every person on The City Planning Commission, all The City Coiminissioners, The Mayor and the out of state developers, (why is this happening?) to take an afternoon walk through this wild wooded area. I hope that they will understand the importance of this proposal. What will happen to the wild life if this area is broken up? The balance of nature will be effected. The deer and plethora of raccoon and opossum will over populate. Their natural predators will be forced to leave. Doesn't it make sense that people will report seeing a cougar in their back yard and deer eating their gardens? When habitat shrinks animals become pests to get rid of Who was here first? Finally there is the very real danger of over burdening fire fighting recourses. Read the USDA Fire Fighting Resources. Saving homes has become as important, or more important than saving forest these days. "This fire is not contained, but so far no structures have been damaged." You hear it on the news almost every night during fire season. Every summer this problem grows and grows as the wild fires increase, the climate dries, and summers start sooner and end later. People, (usually with high incomes who can afford building or buying a home in the woods) want to build away from the city and look out their windows at the beautiful wooded landscape. There is some illogical thinking going on here. Even though many in Eugene ae- f , nothing of this proposal. After I explain it to them, they are outraged! I have not met a person who doesn't feel strongly that their voices must be heard. Something must change. Planners and developers must listen. Many in Eugene and surrounding areas are working very hard to convince the City Planners and Developers, that YES we can make changes ! Why do we find it so easy to hear plans of developing new buildings, new shopping areas, and more expensive student housing? Why don't we hear about the environment that surrounds us? The areas we all can enjoy? How about sustainability? Has any of our cities Planning Division cominunicated with Portland's Urban Sustainability Commissioners? Nick Fish, Amanda Fritz, Steve Novick, and Dan Saltzman? Why are the majority of these Developers from out of state? It's our city. It takes many voices to move a mountain of bureaucrats. We will be heard. Thank You F uR Oo LNG YHG K\( 1!H i C, To: Erik Berg Johansen Asst. Planner City of Eugene Ceorgiann lsgard 3175 Potter St. Eugene, Oregon 97405 September 6, 2016 Regarding the development end of River View St., North of 30th Ave. Moon Mountain development As a long time home owner and hiker of city and county trails, I feel it is important to keep the greenway. A continuous green belt for wildlife, hiking, and away of living. The area has steep terrain, needs much infrastructure. I feel the density of housing should be closer to downtown. We are in a cul-de-sac due to the hills which are being denuded. I thought there was some ordinance prohibiting cutting of hilltop trees, and the longer I live here, the fewer trees. The few trees that are left, are vulnerable to winds. Increasing areas needing fire and police coverage, difficult accessiblity such as Moon Mountain, are not in the best interests of people that chose to live here. Again, why do we cater to out of state developers? Will they get a tax break? Will this be an eye-sore like Capstone which will be a slum in the future? (I call it the projects). Please think of urban sustainability. Think of your own mark on this beautif ul land. Sincerely, Georgiann Olsgard y 2 a / REC,F SEP o C61-u All 7 O 4-'"Z 7ZZ PC5% 7Zr X~, BERG-JOHANSEN Erik From: carolces@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2016 11:10 PM To: BERG-JOHANSEN Erik Subject: Laurel Ridge to Mt. Baldy Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged I am a 40 year resident here and I am depending on you to DO THE RIGHT THING and help us save this pristine segment of our environment. You cannot know, nor can I put into words, the immense negative impact we all would suffer if this gem is lost. Please do not extinguish this beacon which we all need, thanks in advance- Carol T. Cesaletti 3065 Potter St. Eugene Oregon Erik Berg Johansen Assistant Planner City of Eugene Planning Division The End Of River View Street, north of 30th Avenue, west of Moon Mountain I am very pleased to receive your notice about the second Public Hearing to reconsider the boundary lines between the "low density residential zoning" ( 400 homes) and the Parks and Open Spaces area between The End of River View Street, north of 30th Avenue, and west of Moon Mountain. The new proposed subject site is a big improvement from the original development plan. My hopes are that you and your fellow City Planners will see the benefit of restricting the development sites to one specific area. Breaking up this beautiful wooded area will have devastating consequences on the surrounding environment. The plan of building "Low Density Residential Areas" in multiple places reminds me of clear cutting a forest and leaving a stand of three or four trees here and there. I have heard arguments from our cities Parks and Open Spaces department, that South Eugene has enough paths that lead to the Ridge Line Trail System, enough of their share of Parks and Open Spaces, too many compared to the rest of the city. This area is a beautiful geological fact. Everyone in Eugene, all of Lane County, and people visiting from other countries will remember and enjoy it. Personally I feel a sense of pride that it has remained. I thank the trees for being there, and sharing themselves with me. I say this out loud. People are losing their touch with the natural world. They don't care about it because they don't see it, don't touch it, don't smell it, and don't hear it. What a great experience it would be to show children how everyone can help save a little bit of nature in their own city. Maybe they would understand that woods and open spaces don't = development or = Hopefully they will learn that this equation is not good for humanity. Not good for all living things. I have shared my feelings of the beauty and solitude of this area with many hikers, bikers, bird watchers, black berry pickers, every one who enjoys this gift. Each person is awe struck that this area is here in Eugene. When I tell these people that these forests will be divided and that there are plans to develop most of the area into subdivisions, they are very angry and very very sad. "Where do I write to?" "Who do I write to?" "What can I do?" Most feel a sense of hopelessness. "Why don't we hear about these things?" "Nothing will ever change." "City planners work with developers, they see money." There is a sense of apathy. I've walked these woods for years. The beauty and diversity are enormous. The variety of trees, the bird calls, many hawks, osprey, tree bats, wild flowers that I have never seen before. I have even seen the elusive Bob Cat. Many native Oregonians never see a Bob Cat in their life time! I feel proud that these elusive animals feel secure enough to stay. There is at least one spring I hear that flows all year round. I would like to ask every person on The City Planning Commission, all The City Commissioners, The Mayor and the out of state developers, (why is this happening?) to take an afternoon walk through this wild wooded area. I hope that they will understand the importance of this proposal. What will happen to the wild life if this area is broken up? The balance of nature will be effected. The deer and plethora of raccoon and opossum will over populate. Their natural predators will be forced to leave. Doesn't it make sense that people will report seeing a cougar in their back yard and deer eating their gardens? When habitat shrinks animals become pests to get rid of. Who was here first? Finally there is the very real danger of over burdening fire fighting recourses. Read the USDA Fire Fighting Resources. Saving homes has become as important, or more important than saving forest these days. "This fire is not contained, but so far no structures have been damaged." You hear it on the news almost every night during fire season. Every summer this problem grows and grows as the wild fires increase, the climate dries, and summers start sooner and end later. People, (usually with high incomes who can afford building or buying a home in the woods) want to build away from the city and look out their windows at the beautiful wooded landscape. There is some illogical thinking going on here. Even though many in Eugene no nothing of this proposal. After I explain it to them, they are outraged! I have not met a person who doesn't feel strongly that their voices must be heard. Something must change. Planners and developers must listen. Many in Eugene and surrounding areas are working very hard to convince the City Planners and Developers, that YES we can make changes ! Why do we find it so easy to hear plans of developing new buildings, new shopping areas, and more expensive student housing? Why don't we hear about the environment that surrounds us? The areas we all can enjoy? How about sustainability? Has any of our cities Planning Division communicated with Portland's Urban Sustainability Commissioners? Nick Fish, Amanda Fritz, Steve Novick, and Dan Saltzman? Why are the majority of these Developers from out of state? It's our city. It takes many voices to move a mountain of bureaucrats. We will be heard. Thank You Susan R. Ferris