HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpen Record 3 final rebuttal by applicant (10-17-18)
October 17, 2018
Nicholas Gioello
Planning and Development Department
City of Eugene
th
99 W 10 Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
RE: North Campus Conditional Use Permit (CU 18-1 WG 18-12)
ApplicantÈs Final Rebuttal
Dear Nick,
Please accept this letter and enclosed information as the applicantÈs final rebuttal and written
responses to testimony received during the first and second open record periods, which
closed on October 3 and October 10, 2018, respectively, for CU 18-1 and WG 18-12.
Enclosed information consists of a response prepared by the applicantÈs legal counsel:
File CU 18-01 and WG 18-12: University of Oregon final rebuttal letter prepared by
Michael J. Gelardi, Hershner Hunter LLP.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or need additional information.
Sincerely,
Colin G. McArthur, AICP
MICHAEL J. GELARDI
Direct: (541) 431-1438
mgelardi@hershnerhunter.com
October 17, 2018
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
c/o Nick Gioello
Planning and Development Department
City of Eugene
th
99 West 10 Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
RE: File CU 18-01 and WG 18-12: University of Oregon final rebuttal
Dear Ms. Gustafson Lucker:
Our law firm represents the University of Oregon in connection with land use permitting
for the Universitys North Campus master site plan (the Plan). This letter is the Universitys
final rebuttal to the evidence and argument entered into the record in this proceeding.
Part I of this letter provides background and context to the Universitys conditional use
permit (CUP) and Willamette Greenway permit application to the City of Eugene (City) for
approval of the Universitys Plan. Part II summarizes the evidence and arguments presented by
opponents of the Plan that relate to the applicable permit approval criteria, and responds to each
of the opponents relevant claims.
I. Background and Context of the Universitys Plan
The Plan addresses the Universitys proposed uses in the Riverfront Park Special Area
Zone (the S-RP zone) for the next 30 years. The S-RP zone is a unique local zone that is the
product of two key planning decisions made by the City and the University during 1985 and
1986. The first decision is the Riverfront Park Study (RP Study), which is a refinement plan to
the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (the Metro Plan). The second
decision is an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the State of Oregon, acting
1
through the State Board of Education (the IGA). The history of the RP Study, the IGA, and
the Universitys prior 1988 master site plan for the S-RP zone are briefly summarized below.
1
The RP Study and the IGA are included in the record in a large file submitted by opponent Paul Cziko on
approximately September 12, 2018 (the Cziko File). The RP Study is located at pdf page 4974 of the Cziko File,
and the IGA is at page 5046 of this pdf.
01691923.DOCX
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 2
A. 1985-1986 RP Study and IGA
The RP Study identified all University uses as permitted uses in the S-RP zone, plus a
range of private uses, including light industrial, research and development, and office,
multiple-family dwellings and certain retail and non-retail uses considered to be
complementary to University uses. See RP Study at 5. The IGA established a framework for
City and University cooperation to develop research facilities in the S-RP zone through public-
private partnerships, as contemplated by the RP Study. See IGA at 2-3; RP Study at 2.
Opponents of the RP Study appealed that decision to the Oregon Land Use Board of
Appeals (LUBA). At LUBA, those opponents argued, among other things, that the uses
allowed by the RP Study violated protections for open space under Statewide Planning Goal 5
and Willamette Greenway standards under Statewide Planning Goal 15. LUBA rejected these
arguments and upheld the RP Study, except for a findings issue. See Urquhart v. Lane Council
of Governments, 14 Or LUBA 335 (1986). The Court of Appeals then reversed LUBAs
decision on the findings issue and affirmed the remainder of LUBAs decision. See Urquhart v.
Lane Council of Governments, 80 Or App 176 (1986) (Urquhart I).
The opponents next challenged the Citys adoption of the S-RP zoning rules that
implemented the RP Study. Similar to the first Urquhart appeal, the opponents argued that the
RP rules violated Goal 15 on the theory that new uses in the Greenway must be limited to open
space uses. LUBA also rejected that argument and upheld the Citys S-RP zone rules. See
Urquhart v. Lane Council of Governments, 16 Or LUBA 102 (1987) (Urquhart II).
B. 1988 S-RP zone Master Site Plan
Following Urquhart II, the City and University jointly developed a 20-year master site
plan for uses in the S-RP zone. Consistent with the IGA, the plan focused on development of a
Riverfront Research Park. The plan called for 29.5 acres of the Universitys property in the S-
RP zone to be dedicated to laboratories, offices and parking lots, including 13.7 acres for those
uses located near the river and north of the railroad tracks. The City approved this plan through
a CUP and Greenway permit issued to the University, and opponents appealed that decision to
2
LUBA. See Stotter v. City of Eugene, 18 Or LUBA 135, 138-40 (1989).
The Stotter appeal was similar to the Urquhart cases because the opponents argued that
the 1988 CUP was inconsistent with Metro Plan policies concerning the Greenway and
environmental conservation. LUBA again rejected all of the opponents arguments and upheld
the master site plan CUP.
2 The above summary of uses in 1988 Riverfront Research Park master site plan is taken from LUBAs Stotter
decision. The 1988 master site plan and CUP decision are included in the record in the Cziko File.
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 3
C. Termination of IGA and Extension of 1988 Master Site Plan
In the 1986 IGA, the City agreed to enact an ordinance establishing a Riverfront
Research Park Commission (the RRP Commission) to study and make recommendations on
development of the research park. See IGA at 4 and IGA Exhibit B. The RRP Commission met
for a number of years, but concluded in 1999 that the RRP Commission had become an
impediment to development of the research park. The RRP Commission therefore recommended
termination of the IGA, dissolution of the RRP Commission, and for the University to become
the sole operator of the research park. See Letter from RRP Commission (Dec. 10, 1999),
included in the Universitys October 3, 2018 first open record period materials.
The City and the University agreed with the RRP Commissions conclusions and
disbanded the RRP Commission by declining to appoint commissioners for the year 2000 term.
The City and the University also signed a new intergovernmental agreement in 2000 transferring
funds held by the City for the research park to the University. See Nov. 30, 2010 package from
Richard Lariviere, former University President, and Nov. 30, 2010 memorandum from Glen
Klein, City Attorney, included in the Universitys October 3 open record materials.
In 2009, the University applied to the City to modify the 20 year 1988 CUP to extend the
duration of the master site plan for an additional three years to 2012. The City approved the
request, and a group of opponents calling themselves Connecting Eugene appealed the Citys
decision to LUBA. LUBA rejected the opponents arguments and affirmed the CUP extension.
See Connecting Eugene v. City of Eugene, 61 Or LUBA 439 (2010).
Led by current opponents Allen Hancock and Paul Cziko, Connecting Eugene then
attempted to challenge building permits for the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) facility in the
S-RP zone before LUBA. See September 12, 2018 Cziko File at pdf pages 119-120. It appears
that the appellants voluntarily dismissed this appeal. ORI then proceeded to construct its facility
south of the railroad tracks at the property now addressed as 1700 Millrace Drive. See 2018
University Plan application narrative at page 34.
D. The Universitys New Master Site Plan
The 1988 CUP expired in 2012. The University then developed the Plan that is the
subject of this proceeding. Unlike the 1988 master site plan, the current Plan commits the area
between the railroad tracks and the Willamette River primarily to conservation and open space
uses. Specifically, the Plan generally establishes a 200 foot development setback from the top of
the river bank that applies to buildings and recreation fields, which is far more than required by
the Eugene Code. The Plan also dedicates 31 acres of the Universitys 77 total acres in the S-RP
zone to environmental conservation, plus additional areas for other open space uses.
.
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 4
II. Rebuttal to Opponents Evidence and Arguments
This part of the Universitys final rebuttal describes issues raised by opponents that relate
to the applicable approval criteria and provides the Universitys response to those issues. For
each group of relevant issues, the University identifies the applicable approval criteria,
summarizes the opponents arguments, and provides the Universitys response.
A. Nature of the Universitys Plan
Opponents arguments:
Opponents argue that the Universitys Plan is not sufficiently
detailed. See, e.g., Oct. 3, 2018 Letter from Paul Cziko at Issue 2; September 29, 2018
Additional Testimony letter from UO Riverfront Restoration and Education Group et al.
(RREG) at Inadequacy of the Universitys CUP application.
Opponents also advocate for multiple separate CUP applications and master site plans for
different areas of the S-RP zone. See, e.g., Sept. 29 RREG letter.
Universitys response:
EC 9.3725 requires a CUP for \[t\]he master site plan for
developments proposed in the S-S-RP zone. Although neither master plan nor master site
plan are defined in the Eugene Code, a master plan/master site plan is commonly understood in
Oregon land use law as a conceptual document that identifies proposed uses and the general
locations of those uses within the master plan area. The uses and facilities proposed in a master
plan are distinct from the design details of any specific facility contemplated in the master plan.
Design details are generally determined through subsequent permit processes. See, e.g., Bauer v.
City of Portland, 44 Or LUBA 210, 255 (2003) (affirming the citys findings that \[b\]ecause of
the large scale of the \[Powell Butte master plan\] and relatively long term for implementation, it
is not possible to accurately determine full design details and impacts at this time.)
The Universitys current Plan provides greater detail than the 1988 master site plan that
was approved by the City and upheld by LUBA. This is made clear by comparing the narrative
3
and site plans in the 2018 Plan with the narrative and site plans in the 1988 application. The
overview section of the 1988 application specifically states that the application provides only
broad planning guidelines and not detailed design information for specific facilities:
The purpose of the Master Plan and Design Guidelines is to provide
broadplanning and development guidelines for the implementation
of the Riverfront Research Park. The Master Plan, by its very
nature, does not provide detailed design information for every
building or improvement which ultimately will be constructed.
Instead, the Plan delineates general areas in which buildings can be
built, defines the overall scale of development, and outlines open
3 The 1988 application is in the record beginning at page 3851 of the Cziko File pdf.
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 5
spaces, circulation systems for automobiles, pedestrians and
bicycles, and proposed, utility systems.
1988 Master Site Plan at 12 (emphasis added).
This context and history demonstrate that the present Plan is sufficiently detailed to
demonstrate compliance with the master site plan requirement in EC 9.3725.
Regarding the propriety of multiple master site plans for the S-RP zone, EC 9.3725 refers
to the master site plan in the singular, and the approved 1988 plan was a single plan for all
University lands in the S-RP zone. Moreover, the City Attorney has opined that multiple master
site plans may not be consistent with the Citys S-RP zone rules. See May 11, 2018 letter from
University President Schill at 4-5. The University therefore has appropriately declined to break
up its current proposed Plan into multiple plans.
B. Status of the RRP Commission
Opponents argument:
Opponents argue that the City may not approve the Plan
because the Plan has not been vetted by the RRP Commission. See, e.g., Oct. 3 Cziko letter at
Issue 1.
Universitys response:
The purpose of the RRP Commission was to evaluate and make
recommendations to the City and the University regarding proposed development in the
Research Park. IGA Exhibit B Section 1, as codified in EC 2.220. However, nothing in the
Eugene Code requires the City or the University to seek a recommendation from the RRP
Commission before the City may approve a master site plan for the S-RP zone. The status of the
RRP Commission is therefore irrelevant to the Citys consideration of the Plan.
Moreover, the RRP Commission is a product of the IGA, and both the City and the
University agree that the IGA has been terminated. The City and the University therefore are
under no obligation to staff the RRP Commission.
Finally, the master site plan for the Research Park expired in 2012, and the University
now proposes a new Plan for its property within the S-RP zone. The RRP Commission
envisioned for the Research Park therefore is not relevant to the Universitys current Plan.
Instead, the Plan was vetted by the University Campus Planning Committee and through
extensive public outreach as described in Section 4 of the Universitys CUP application for the
Plan. Opponents of the Plan, including Allen Hancock and Paul Cziko, participated in focus
groups, Campus Planning Committee meetings, open houses, and other discussions that resulted
in the Plan. See University Plan application at Exhibit H (submitted as updated information on
September 12, 2018) and Exhibit I.
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 6
C. Issues Related to Proposed Recreation Fields
Opponents arguments:
Many opponents assume that the recreation fields proposed in
the Plan will be made of artificial turf, and those opponents make a variety of arguments against
this facility design. For example, Sean Malone argues that artificial turf violates Metro Plan
policies D.5 and E.2. See Sept. 12 Malone letter. Allen Hancock argues that only natural grass
recreation fields are consistent with the standards for S-RP zone development in the Greenway
under EC 9.3725(2)(c). Opponents also suggest that artificial turf fields are inconsistent with the
purpose of the S-RP zone as stated in EC 9.3700. See e.g., undated letter from Mari Galloway.
Universitys response
: The Plan does not include any specific facility design for the
recreation fields, and the fields will be subject to additional future permitting depending on their
design. For example, if the University proposes lighting for the fields, this design will be subject
to the Citys outdoor lighting permit standards in EC 9.6725.
Regardless of the materials used on the fields, this development will require compliance
with stormwater site development standards in EC 9.6790-9.6797. The Citys stormwater
standards are designed to prevent water pollution associated with runoff, including any pesticide
runoff from natural grass. See EC 9.6790. The University is committed to environmental
stewardship, and the university will carefully study field surfaces and their impacts on the
environment before proposing any construction project for recreation fields north of the railroad
tracks.
Metro Plan policies D.5 and E.2 both concern compatibility of uses with the natural
environment, including the Willamette River. As described in Part I above, the RP Study is a
refinement plan to the Metro Plan and all University uses in the S-RP zone are permitted uses
under the RP Study. University uses such as recreation fields are therefore, by definition,
compatible with Metro Plan policies, including policies D.5 and E.2. This issue was resolved in
the Urquhart and Stotter cases because those decisions upheld the RP Study and the S-RP zoning
rules as consistent with Goal 5, Goal 15 and the Metro Plan. Mr. Malones argument that
artificial turf fields are inconsistent with the Metro Plan is therefore incorrect.
Moreover, EC 9.3700 specifically states that the purpose of the S-RP zone is to provide
for activities and uses that complement the research and educational functions of the
\[University\]. Physical education and recreation are part of the Universitys educational
function. Recreation fields are therefore consistent with the purpose of the S-RP zone.
Furthermore, as noted above, the proposed fields are also explicitly within the scope of permitted
uses in the S-RP zone because they are University uses.
EC 9.3725(2)(c) requires the maximum possible landscaped area, open space, or
vegetation between the activity and the river (emphasis added). Recreation fields satisfy this
criterion because the fields are open space. Moreover, the fields themselves are the relevant
activity under EC 9.3725(2)(c), and the Plan calls for a minimum 200 foot setback between the
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 7
fields and the top of the river bank. The Plan is therefore consistent with, and exceeds, the
requirements of EC 9.3725(2)(c).
Finally, it is important to note that the City has previously permitted a number of
synthetic turf fields within the Greenway. See Greenway permits included in the Universitys
October 3, 2018 open record submission. This precedent demonstrates that the University may
develop synthetic turf fields in the S-RP zone if the University chooses to do so, as long as the
University demonstrates compliance with applicable design requirements and development
standards in construction-related permits.
D. Restoration of the Vegetative Fringe along the River
Opponents arguments:
Opponents both criticize the Universitys proposed restoration
plan and argue that this restoration must take precedence over other development proposed in the
Plan. For example, Mr. Cziko argues that the Universitys proposed restoration is not adequate
because it doesnt qualify as active restoration under section 2.C.1 of the RP Study. See
Oct. 3 Cziko letter at Issue 3.
Universitys response
: Mr. Cziko appears to refer to policy C.1 of the RP Study, which
requires the City to protect the riverbank by adopting zoning rules to create a setback along the
river and Millrace, and to work cooperatively with local property owners such as the Eugene
Water & Electric Board to develop an active management plan for the riverbank. The City has
adopted zoning rules that impose setbacks near waterways in the S-RP zone. Those setbacks are
35 feet from the river, and generally 15 feet from the Millrace. See EC 9.3715(2). Moreover,
the Citys Water Resources Conservation (WR) overlay zone imposes additional development
restrictions within 100 feet of the river and within 40-50 feet of the Millrace.
The Citys coordination responsibilities under the RP Study are not binding on the
University, but the University nevertheless agrees to cooperate with the City on the Universitys
proposed riparian restoration.
The Citys S-RP zone rules require an S-RP zone master site plan to provide for
protection and enhancement of the natural vegetative fringe along the Willamette River to the
maximum extent practicable. The natural vegetative fringe is the riparian strip, which is
the area between the top of the river bank and the waters edge. EC 9.3725(2)(d). The
Universitys Plan goes far beyond the code requirement by proposing a200 foot setback from
the river top of bank for riparian restoration and by dedicating 31 of the Universitys 77 acres in
the S-RP zone to riparian restoration. Exhibit B to the Universitys application is a study of the
riparian area in the S-RP zone and provides direction for the Universitys restoration of that area.
The Universitys restoration activities within the riparian area will be subject to
additional permitting before restoration may occur under the Citys WR overlay zone rules. See
EC 9.4930(3). Restoration activities may also be subject to additional state and/or federal
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 8
environmental permits. The University will develop a specific restoration design plan as a
component of this permitting.
Nothing in the Citys S-RP zone rules or related policies requires riparian restoration to
precede other activities in the Universitys Plan. Imposing that type of timing requirement
would undermine the Universitys comprehensive planning efforts and be contrary to RP Study
Policy A.3, which calls for a a high degree of flexibility for development proposals.
E. Parking Issues
Opponents arguments:
Opponents make several arguments related to a parking
structure proposed in the Plan. The subject structure will be located on an existing surface
parking lot near the intersection of Riverfront Parkway and Millrace Drive. This parking
structure will be designed in part to serve the Universitys future Knight Campus for
Accelerating Scientific Impact, which is located outside of the S-RP zone.
Opponents argue both that the University proposes too much and too little parking in the
S-RP zone. First, Mr. Malone argues that parking in the S-RP zone may only serve uses located
in the S-RP zone, and therefore the Universitys proposed parking structure near Riverfront
Parkway may not provide parking for the Knight Campus. See Oct. 3 Malone letter. Mr.
Malones client Allen Hancock appears to argue that parking facilities must be located within
400 feet of the specific uses they are designed to serve under EC 9.3715(1). See Oct. 3 Hancock
letter at Issue 1.
Mr. Malone also argues that the proposed parking structure near Riverfront Parkway may
block visual access to the riparian area along the Willamette River from Riverfront Parkway in
violation of EC 9.3715(1)(c). See Sept. 12 Malone letter at 2.
Universitys response:
First, it is important to stress that the development standards in
EC 9.3715 are generally not applicable criteria to a master site plan. Parking compliance for
specific facilities will be determined through future construction-related permitting decisions.
Second, the 400-foot proximity standard in EC 9.3715(1) is simply a default; the rule
explicitly allows the City to approve a different parking standard through the master site plan
CUP process. The City and the University have cooperatively planned University-related
parking on a campus-wide basis for many years. The 1988 master site plan contemplated a
string of parking lots adjacent to the railroad tracks in the S-RP zone, and the plan did not limit
the use of these lots to S-RP zone facilities. Some of those parking lots were developed,
including the surface lot at the location of the parking garage proposed in the Universitys
4
current Plan. Compare 1988 master site plan parking diagram with 2018 Plan application
narrative Figure 2.1 and Plan Exhibit A Sheet L02.
4 This diagram is available at page 3893 of the Cziko File pdf.
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 9
In 1997, the City granted the University an adjustment to lower otherwise-required
parking by 50% campus-wide. The University submits annual reports to the City to demonstrate
compliance with this standard. Consistent with this campus-wide decision, in February 2018, the
City granted the University an adjustment for a 25% reduction in parking associated with the
Knight Campus. These 1997 and 2018 parking decisions are included in the Universitys
October 3, 2018 first open record period submission.
The Universitys October 10 package also includes a specific request to the Hearings
Official to determine that the Citys and Universitys campus-wide parking approach applies to
the Universitys Plan for the S-RP zone, in lieu of the 400 foot default in EC 9.3715.
As in other City zones, the S-RP zone contains parking standards for developments in the
S-RP zone. However, nothing in the S-RP zone rules or related policies preclude the University
from developing parking structures in the S-RP zone to serve University uses physically located
in other zones. To the contrary, as described above, all University uses are permitted uses in the
S-RP zone.
Moreover, the 400-foot parking proximity standard and arbitrary zoning separation
between University uses and parking, as advocated by Mr. Malone and his client Mr. Hancock,
would result in unneeded parking lots. This would be contrary to the campus-wide parking plan
that is designed to conserve land and encourage alternative transportation. Mr. Malones and
Mr. Hancocks advocacy for these parking standards also contradicts their espoused interest in
environmental conservation in the S-RP zone.
Finally, the photographs and diagrams included in the Universitys October 3 package
demonstrate that the proposed parking structure near Riverfront Parkway and Millrace Drive will
not impede visual access to the Willamette River riparian area from main entry points along
Franklin Boulevard.
F. Bicycle Paths
Opponents arguments:
The University proposes two different alignment options for a
new bike path through the S-RP zone. Mr. Hancock argues that one of these designs does not
provide a continuous, two way bike path as required by EC 9.3720(1). Mr. Hancock argues
that the Plan is also inconsistent with the Citys Transportation System Plan, because the
Universitys Plan could impede City development of a bicycle and pedestrian crossing over the
railroad tracks in the S-RP zone to connect Alder Street with the existing bike path along the
river. See Sept. 12 Hancock letter.
Universitys response:
Both of the Universitys two proposed bike path alignment
options comply with EC 9.3720. The northern alignment proposes a new bridge crossing over
the mouth of the Millrace Slough. The alignment extends under the south abutment of the
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 10
Frohnmayer Bridge and extends eastward in order enable a future extension to Knickerbocker
Bridge on the north side of the railroad tracks. The alignment responds to desires for public
access along the river, enhanced safety by activating the rivers edge and improving sightlines,
and improved ecological function.
The southern alignment utilizes the existing culvert crossing within the Millrace Slough.
The alignment does not extend east past Frohnmayer Bridge, as constructing a path to the
Knickerbocker Bridge on the north side of the railroad tracks may not be feasible due to physical
constraints. The alignment instead connects to Riverfront Parkway and Millrace Drive, which is
the current eastward travel pattern for pedestrians and bicyclists. The alignment responds to
desires to expand the riparian area, improve ecological function, and minimize conflicts between
recreation and habitat uses.
Regarding the Alder Street Rail Crossing, the University acknowledges this proposed
future crossing by indicating it on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Primary Circulation Plan (Plan
Exhibit A Sheet L03) and agrees to design any building near this proposed crossing to avoid
interference with the crossing. The University supports the Citys Transportation System Plan
and will cooperate to integrate the crossing into the bike path improvements proposed in the Plan
at the time of a future project.
G. Duration of the Plan
Opponents arguments:
Opponents argue against the Universitys proposed 30-year
timeline for the CUP and Greenway permits associated with the Plan. Opponents note that,
under EC 9.7340, the Citys default for a CUP is 18 months, and that the maximum extension
associated with a modification to a CUP is an additional 18 months. See, e.g., Oct. 3 Cziko letter
at Issue 2.
Universitys response:
EC 9.7340 explicitly allows the City to set a longer timeline for
a CUP and a Greenway permit as appropriate. Permits associated with the prior 1988 master site
plan for the S-RP zone had a duration of 20 years, and those permits were upheld by LUBA.
Moreover, the City granted a three-year extension to those permits, and that extension was also
upheld by LUBA.
The University has explained that the 30-year timeline is needed given the vast area
covered by the Plan and the uncertain timing of capital needed to complete development
contemplated by the Plan. See Plan application narrative at 93. The Citys staff supports the
Universitys timeline for the Plan. See Staff Report at 21. The Universitys proposed timeline
for the Plan is therefore consistent with EC 9.7340.
The University proposes a new CUP and Greenway permit for the Plan, not a
modification of prior, now expired permits. The time limit associated with modification of a
CUP under EC 9.7340 therefore is not applicable to the Universitys application.
Virginia Gustafson Lucker, Hearings Official
October 17, 2018
Page 11
H.Annual Reporting
Opponents arguments:
The Citys S-RP zone rules require annual reporting to the City
regarding uses in the S-RP zone in order to verify that the land in the zone is being used
primarily for University activities and other compatible private activities. See EC 9.3710 and
9.3730. Opponent Mr. Hancock asserts that the University has not provided this annual reporting
and argues that therefore the Hearings Official should deny the Universitys application for the
Plan. See Oct 3 Hancock letter at Issue 3.
Universitys response:
As explained in the Universitys October 10 second open record
period package, the University did submit annual reports to the City during the previous CUP
period, and the University agrees to provide annual reports following City approval of the
current Plan. The University therefore will comply with EC 9.3730, though this is not an
applicable criterion for the CUP and the Greenway permits that are the subject of this
proceeding.
III.Conclusion
For the reasons described above, and in theapplication and supplemental materials
submitted by the University in this proceeding, the Universityrespectfullyrequests that the
Hearings Official approve the Universitys application.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL J. GELARDI
MJG:mp