HomeMy WebLinkAbout23_10_06_1132 Background Record MaterialsFrom:DOMINGO Elena M
To:Eugene RR-SC Plan
Subject:Documents for RRSC Neighborhood Plan Record
Date:Friday, October 6, 2023 11:34:26 AM
Attachments:River Road Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan.pdf
LCBC 10.10.17.pdf
CC_agenda_11.08.17.pdf
CC_agenda_03.12.18.pdf
CC_agenda_11.19.18.pdf
CC_agenda_05.15.19.pdf
Please add the attached documents to the record.
Elena Domingo | Associate Planner (she/her)
City of Eugene | Community Planning and Design
99 West 10th Avenue
Eugene OR 97401
541-682-5002
AGENDA COVER MEMO
Memorandum Date: September 25, 2017
Order Date: October 10, 2017
TO: Board of County Commissioners
DEPTARTMENT: Public Works Department, Land Management Division
PRESENTED BY: Amber Bell, Associate Planner
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: WORK SESSION/ River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Project
Introduction
I. MOTION
None; this is a discussion item only.
II. AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
This is an introduction to the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan project. The City of
Eugene, in close consultation with Lane County staff, is beginning an approximately two-year
planning process in River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods to create a community-based
neighborhood plan. The neighborhood planning process will be a collaborative effort among
the River Road and Santa Clara community organizations, the City of Eugene, Lane County,
and a variety of other stakeholders throughout both communities. The plan will include
extensive public involvement throughout. The groundwork previously laid by members of the
River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations (RRCO & SCCO) sets the stage for a
collaborative approach and opportunity to hit the ground running with this project.
III. BACKGROUND/IMPLICATIONS OF ACTION
A. Board Action and Other History
The Envision Eugene Recommendation (2012) includes a commitment to future neighborhood
planning under the Protect, Repair, and Enhance Neighborhood Livability pillar. The River
Road and Santa Clara communities were identified to begin neighborhood planning following
local adoption of the urban growth boundary (UGB). This project will fulfill that commitment.
For over 30 years, the land use and development actions within the River Road and Santa Clara
communities have been governed by the River Road‐Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan
(https://www.eugene‐or.gov/3088/Refinement‐Plans). Adopted in 1987, the plan is dated and a
Agenda Cover Memo
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Intro
Page 2 of 5
new plan for this large part of the community with unique planning issues is needed. The River
Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations have dedicated innumerable volunteer hours
to build a foundation of public input on which to build the neighborhood planning process.
Recently the two community organizations came together to work on the Santa Clara River
Road Outreach and Learning (SCRROL) (2012) (final report can be accessed online:
www.eugene‐or.gov/1382/River‐Road‐Community) and Santa Clara‐River Road
Implementation Planning Team (SCRRIPT) initiatives. The first report identified four
priorities – Land Use, Transportation, Governance, and Parks and Recreation – on which to
focus future work. Subsequently, Public Safety and Economic Development were added to the
priority list. Eugene planning staff has acted as a liaison to SCRRIPT throughout and provided
technical support. Extensive summaries of the SCRRIPT listening sessions can be accessed on
the community organization websites:
River Road: http://riverroadco.org/wp/?page_id=847
Santa Clara: http://santaclaracommunity.org/scco/community‐organization/
Beyond SCRROL and SCRRIPT, the chronology of historical planning documents and
neighborhood organization planning efforts over the last 30 years includes:
River Road-Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan adopted in 1987
In 2002, a joint Urban Services Committee formed by the City of Eugene and
Lane County that identified the confusion and inequities of services and planning
caused by inconsistent and non-contiguous annexation patterns
Transition Team formed, with six (6) members from each neighborhood
organization
Transition Report was accepted by the Eugene City Council in 2006 and this
offered direction to SCCO and RRCO to pursue the goals and strategies.
In April of 2010, SCCO and RRCO approved formation of a Joint Strategy Team
(JuST), which identified the need for a survey, data collection and outreach.
Santa Clara-River Road Outreach and Learning (SCRROL) began to develop
community-wide, shared knowledge about challenges and opportunities in our
growing and changing neighborhoods that can inform collaborative decisions in
the future
In 2012, the SCRROL Report and Recommendations was published
Santa Clara-River Road Implementation Planning Team (SCRRIPT) formed to
realize issues identified through SCRROL
2014-2015 SCRRIPT listening sessions occurred
SCRRIPT Vision Statement & Key Issues is finalized
Project Description
Lane County staff will collaborate with the City of Eugene, community organizations, and
stakeholders on this project. See draft letter of initiation to be signed by County Administrator
Steve Mokrohisky and City Manager Jon Ruiz (see Attachment 1).
The scope of work will cover River Road and Santa Clara communities in their entirety. There
will be additional attention given to the River Road Key Transit Corridor between Hunsaker
Lane and the Northwest Expressway, as identified in the Envision Eugene community vision.
See Attachment 2.
Agenda Cover Memo
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Intro
Page 3 of 5
This approximately two-year collaborative planning process will create a neighborhood
refinement plan for the River Road and Santa Clara Neighborhoods. The project will
commence in Fall 2017, beginning with a “kick-off” event on October 17th at North Eugene
High School.
The plan will include a Community Vision to guide decision-making for decades to come. The
vision will be consistent with the pillars of Envision Eugene, while tailoring the city -wide
vision to the local context. That local vision will be articulated in Plan Goals and Policies that
tackle a wide variety of issues identified in the previous SCRROL and SCRRIPT public
engagement initiatives. The plan will focus on four priority areas: Land Use, Transportation,
Economic Development, and Parks and Natural Resources. Two additional topic areas are of
critical importance to the community: Public Safety and Governance. To address these issues,
the planning process will employ an inter-departmental city staff team to ensure these
community issues are prioritized and solutions implemented through the appropriate
mechanisms. To that end, the plan will conclude with an Action Plan that includes
implementation measures to advance the defined policy direction.
The goal of the neighborhood planning process is to produce and adopt a River Road -Santa
Clara Neighborhood Plan that:
Supports the Pillars of Envision Eugene, balances the varied directives under the
Pillars, and advances the community vision
Reflects deep City-County-community collaboration through community-based
activities
Establishes a clear vision for the future of River Road and Santa Clara, plan
goals and policies to guide decision making, and an action plan that guides
implementation by the City, County, and community members
Refines the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General (Metro) Plan and
Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan for the Santa Clara and River Road
communities
Creates a process that may serve as a transferable model for other neighborhood
or key transit corridor planning initiatives
A graphic illustrating the vision planning process is provided as Attachment 3 and an example
of the October 17th event invitation is provided as Attachment 4.
In addition to the larger neighborhood planning project, Lane Transit District and Eugene
Planning staff initially pursued a Federal grant opportunity in 2016, the River Road Transit
Community Implementation Plan, as a means to establish a model planning approach that
could be transferred to other Key Transit Corridors, which are identified in Envision Eugene.
The FTA-funded project deliverables include the following:
Demographics & Market capacity study
Gentrification & Neighborhood Character (Housing Affordability) study
Corridor Master Plan (between Hunsaker Lane and the Northwest Expressway)
Triple Transit Analysis (modeled on the City’s Triple Bottom Line concept)
Draft Zoning Code Amendments for the corridor
The geographic scale of the project area adds unique considerations and necessitates
interagency coordination and collaboration between the City and County. Since the 1980s,
Lane County has delegated to the City through intergovernmental agreement all planning,
zoning, and permitting responsibilities for the unincorporated portions of Santa Clara and
Agenda Cover Memo
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Intro
Page 4 of 5
River Road inside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). However, inclusion of the full Santa
Clara community requires intergovernmental coordination, as there are portions of the Santa
Clara Community Organization outside the UGB (see Attachment 2) and within the Eugene-
Springfield Metropolitan Area Plan (Metro Plan). Any future amendments proposed to the
Metro Plan area will be subject to joint City and County review and adoption, as well as
coadoption of the neighborhood refinement plan by both City Council and the Board of County
Commissioners, consistent with the Metro Plan procedural requirements and Lane Code
Chapter 12.200 through 12.225.
Zoning outside of the UGB is within Lane County’s jurisdiction and is implemented by the
Lane Code. Uses allowed outright or conditionally within Lane County zones are generally
rural in nature, intended for the preservation of farm and forest and other resource uses, and
largely defined by Statewide Planning Goals.
For continued updates on the project, the following website is available:
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org.
Additionally, staff will provide the Board with regular updates at key conjunctures in the
project.
B. Policy Issues
Lane County has committed to this project as demonstrated with the attached letter of init iation
that will be signed by County Administrator, Steve Mokrohisky (Attachment 1). Potential
future amendments to the Metro Plan will require compliance with Lane Code Chapter 12.200
through 12.230 and applicable criteria. This project will fulfill a commitment to future
neighborhood planning under the Protect, Repair, and Enhance Neighborhood Livability pillar
in Envision Eugene. No other Lane Code provisions, plans, or policies directly relate to this
project.
C. Board Goals
Aspects of the forthcoming Neighborhood Plan that will be the product of this planning effort
may be supportive of Strategic Plan objectives to plan for safe and vibrant communities.
However, the Strategic Plan is not directly related to the commencement of this collaborative,
vision-driven neighborhood planning effort.
D. Financial and/or Resource Considerations
None; this is a discussion item only and no specific action is requested. Land Management
Division has allocated staff time to coordinate with City of Eugene staff, participate in
outreach efforts, and ultimately, guide the Neighborhood Plan through any Metro Plan
amendment required to be reviewed and adopted by the Lane County Planning Commission
and Board of County Administrators.
E. Health Implications
None; this is a discussion item only and no specific action is requested. There are no direct
health implications related to the County’s collaboration efforts in this City of Eugene project.
Agenda Cover Memo
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Intro
Page 5 of 5
F. Analysis
An introduction to and analysis of this project has been provided above.
IV. RECOMMENDATION
None; this is a discussion item only and no specific action is requested.
V. TIMING/IMPLEMENTATION/FOLLOW UP
Staff will continue to provide updates to the Board throughout this two-year planning effort at
key junctures in the project.
VII. ATTACHMENTS
1. Study Area Map: Neighborhoods and the River Road Transit Corridor
2. Draft Letter of Initiation
3. Process Graphic
4. October 17, 2017 Event Invitation
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
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09.20.2017 ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2DRAFT
ATTACHMENT 2DRAFT
ATTACHMENT 2DRAFT
ATTACHMENT 3
For more information, visit the website:
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org
An Introduction
The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, in collaboration with neighbors,
businesses, the City of Eugene and Lane County, are creating a vision that will guide
decision-making in River Road and Santa Clara for decades to come. The plan will
focus on four major topics:
Land Use Planning: What activities, like housing, shops or parks, do we want where?
How will the neighborhood feel and look?
Economic Development: How will good jobs and services be supported?
Parks and Natural Resources: What do we want to happen with outdoor spaces?
Transportation: How will we get around?
The outcome of our work together will be a Neighborhood Plan adopted by the City of
Eugene and Lane County to guide the future growth and development of the River Road
and Santa Clara areas.
Reaching Out!
In this first step in the Neighborhood Plan, community members will gather to share stories, map
valuable places, and collaborate on creating a vision for the future.
Where: North Eugene High School Cafeteria, 200 Silver Lane in River Road
When: October 17, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Who: Community members, including businesses and neighbors who care about the
future of River Road and Santa Clara
Light dinner and activities for children provided!
To join the mailing list, see the Get Involved! tab on the project website (link below).
For questions, contact Zach Galloway: Zach.A.Galloway@ci.eugene.or.us –or– 541.682.5485
This meeting location is wheelchair accessible and Spanish-language interpretation will be
provided. For the hearing impaired, FM-assistive listening devices are available or an interpreter can
be provided with 48 hours’ notice prior to the meeting. To arrange for these services, contact staff at
(541) 68-5485.
ATTACHMENT 4
November 8, 2017, Work Session – Item A
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Work Session: River Road‐Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Project Update
Meeting Date: November 8, 2017 Agenda Item Number: A
Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Zach Galloway
www.eugene‐or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541‐682‐5485
ISSUE STATEMENT
This item provides an update on the status of the River Road‐Santa Clara Neighborhood
Plan project. The approximately 18‐month neighborhood planning process is a
collaborative effort among the River Road and Santa Clara community organizations, the
City of Eugene, Lane County, and the community at‐large.
The planning process will result in a new neighborhood refinement plan for the River Road
and Santa Clara communities, effectively updating the existing 1987 plan. The project
began this summer with extensive outreach to build awareness and begin inviting
residents to the first community event. That event attracted nearly 400 residents to fill the
North Eugene High School gymnasium on October 17.
BACKGROUND
The Envision Eugene Recommendation (2012) includes a commitment to future
neighborhood planning under the Protect, Repair, and Enhance Neighborhood Livability
pillar. The River Road and Santa Clara communities were identified to begin neighborhood
planning following local adoption of the urban growth boundary (UGB). This project will
fulfill that commitment. On April 26, 2017, City Council furthered that direction through a
motion to initiate the River Road‐Santa Clara neighborhood plan.
For over 30 years, the land use and development actions within the River Road and Santa
Clara communities have been governed by the River Road‐Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan
(https://www.eugene‐or.gov/3088/Refinement‐Plans). Adopted in 1987, the plan is out‐
of‐date and a new plan is needed for this large part of the community with unique planning
issues. The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations have dedicated countless
volunteer hours to build a foundation of public input on which to build the neighborhood
planning process. Recently the two community organizations came together to work on the
SCRROL (Santa Clara River Road Outreach and Learning) (2012) (final report can be
accessed online: www.eugene‐or.gov/1382/River‐Road‐Community) and SCRRIPT (Santa
Clara‐River Road Implementation Planning Team) initiatives. The first report identified
four priorities – Land Use, Transportation, Governance, and Parks and Recreation – on
which to focus future work. Subsequently, Public Safety and Economic Development were
November 8, 2017 Work Session – Item A
added to the priority list. Eugene planning staff has acted as a liaison to SCRRIPT
throughout its work and provided technical support. Extensive summaries of the SCRRIPT
listening sessions can be accessed on the community organization websites.
River Road: http://riverroadco.org/wp/?page_id=847
Santa Clara: http://santaclaracommunity.org/scco/community‐organization/
Project Description
The scope of work will cover River Road and Santa Clara communities in their entirety,
including areas of Santa Clara that extend beyond the UGB. There will be additional attention
given to the River Road Key Transit Corridor between Hunsaker Lane and the Northwest
Expressway, as identified in the Envision Eugene community vision (Attachment A). A Letter
of Initiation was drafted to formalize the collaborative arrangement among the community
organizations, the City, and Lane County (Attachment B).
The plan will include a Community Vision to guide decision‐making for decades to come.
The vision will be consistent with the pillars of Envision Eugene, while tailoring the city‐
wide vision to the local context. That local vision will be articulated in Plan Goals and
Policies that tackle a wide variety of issues identified in the previous SCRROL and SCRRIPT
public engagement initiatives. The plan will focus on four priority areas: Land Use,
Transportation, Economic Development, and Parks and Natural Resources. A neighborhood
plan is the appropriate mechanism to address these issues through policy, land use codes,
programs, or community initiatives. The planning process is employing an inter‐
departmental city and county staff team – Technical Advisory Committee – that represent
these topic areas. Two additional topic areas were identified by the community: Public
Safety and Governance. Staff is committed to listening to residents’ ideas on these topics
and recording those for future discussion. The plan will conclude with an Action Plan that
includes implementation measures to advance the defined policy direction. Lastly, land use
code amendments and zone changes will be needed to implement certain items in the
Action Plan. Therefore, staff anticipates a code amendment package moving through the
formal adoption process concurrently with the final Neighborhood Plan.
Related Efforts
In addition to the larger neighborhood planning project, Lane Transit District and Eugene
Planning staff pursued a Federal grant opportunity in 2016, the River Road Transit
Community Implementation Plan, as a means to establish a model planning approach that
could be transferred to other Key Transit Corridors, which are identified in Envision
Eugene. The FTA‐funded project deliverables include the following:
Demographics & Market capacity study
Gentrification & Neighborhood Character (Housing Affordability) study
Corridor Master Plan (between Hunsaker Lane and the Northwest Expressway)
Triple Transit Analysis (modeled on the City’s Triple Bottom Line concept)
Draft Zoning Code Amendments for the corridor
November 8, 2017, Work Session – Item A
Next Steps
Community volunteers and City and County staff continue to conduct outreach with area
residents this fall. These activities will expand the reach beyond the October kickoff event
to ensure a comprehensive community perspective. Some examples include outreach to
the business community, Latino community, and rural residents beyond the UGB.
Staff will provide the Council with regular updates at key points in the project, as well as
meeting with both the Lane County and Eugene Planning Commissions, a project Citizen
Advisory Committee, and a City Triple Bottom Line sounding board.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
Envision Eugene, Pillar 4. Protect, Repair, & Enhance Neighborhood Livability
4. Create neighborhood plans to address unique situations and impacts in different
neighborhoods.
b. Complete area planning for the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods to
address impacts of increasing urbanization. Base future planning efforts on
previous work done under the River Road/ Santa Clara Transition Project
and Final Report, June 2006, and the Santa Clara‐River Road Outreach and
Learning (SCRROL) project, 2012. Begin this planning process immediately
following local adoption of Envision Eugene.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
Information item. No action requested at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
A. River Road‐Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan study area map
B. Letter of Initiation
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Zach Galloway
Telephone: 541.682.5485
Staff E‐Mail: zach.a.galloway@ci.eugene.or.us
ATTACHMENT A
1
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
Letter of Initiation
For over 30 years, land use and development in the River Road and Santa Clara
communities has been governed by the River Road-Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan.
Adopted in 1987, the plan is dated and a rejuvenated approach is warranted. The River
Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations have dedicated innumerable volunteer
hours to build a foundation of public input on which to build the neighborhood plan.
The Planning process will be a collaborative effort among the River Road and Santa Clara
community organizations, the City of Eugene, Lane County, and other varied stakeholders
throughout both communities.
The following Letter of Initiation is a good faith effort to seek high-level agreement on the
shared path forward.
GOALS. The Boards of the River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations in
collaboration with the City of Eugene agree to work cooperatively in the creation of a
Neighborhood Plan. This work will grow from the foundation laid by past efforts of the
SCRROL (Santa Clara and River Road Outreach and Learning) and SCRRIPT (Santa Clara
and River Road Implementation and Planning Team) initiatives, and as identified during
those outreach phases, the forthcoming plan will at a minimum address issues related to
Land Use, Transportation, Parks and Natural Resources, and Economic Development, as
well as Public Safety and Governance.
To be truly successful, the neighborhood planning process should be community-based and
reflect the future vision of the full community. Therefore, we will strive to be inclusive of all
members of the River Road and Santa Clara communities. Public outreach efforts will
attempt to reach all residents, property owners, business owners, area employees, special
district boards or staff, and schools.
ROLES. The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, the City of Eugene, and
Lane County will work collaboratively and in a transparent environment to develop a
2
neighborhood plan that advances to implementation the needs, desires, and unique
character of each community while remaining consistent with the citywide vision
embedded in Envision Eugene. To that end, the involved entities have different roles, as
follows.
COMMUNITY will engage, recruit, stay involved, take ownership, and create its future.
CITY will dedicate staff time, appropriate funding, and provide project management,
inter-departmental and -agency coordination, and lead public involvement efforts.
COUNTY will dedicate staff time in a support role and will share relevant data and
information.
DELIVERABLES. Subject to the required legislative processes, the final deliverables for the
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan and Federal Transit Administration-sponsored
Corridor Planning grant include the following:
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan, encompassing all areas within both
communities, adopted as a refinement to the Metro Plan and/ or the local
comprehensive plan.
A Corridor Master Plan that establishes a vision for the River Road Corridor between
Hunsaker Lane (north) and the Northwest Expressway (south). The project will create
(1) a land use code to ensure implementation of the vision and (2) financial and market
studies that lay the foundation for the vision, code, and potential incentive programs or
actions to advance implementation.
BUDGET. City of Eugene will commit the necessary inter-departmental staff resources and
sufficient funds to ensure completion of the deliverables and robust public involvement
throughout the two communities.
DECISION MAKING. A representative public involvement structure and body (e.g.,
Community Resource Group) will be established to vet locally the draft plan, policies, and
action. That body will make a community-based recommendation prior to formal review
and decisions taken by the City of Eugene’s Planning Commission and City Council, as well
as co-adoption by the Lane County Board of County Commissioners.
CHANGES & RESOLUTION. In the event of a significant unforeseen event that warrants a
major deviation from the currently proposed work plan, all parties agree to seek amicable
resolution and a smooth path forward in alignment with the goals stated above.
3
ACCEPTANCE & ADOPTION. All parties to this initiation letter, as indicated by the
following signatures, agree to seek general community acceptance of the plan and final co-
adoption by the City Council and Lane County Board of County Commissioners as a
neighborhood refinement plan.
Jon Ruiz Date
City Manager
City of Eugene
Steve Mokrohisky Date
County Administrator
Lane County
Jon Belcher Date
Co- Chair
River Road Community Organization
Clare Strawn Date
Co- Chair
River Road Community Organization
Jerry Finigan Date
Co- Chair
Santa Clara Community Organization
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Work Session: River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Project Update Meeting Date: March 12, 2018 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Zach Galloway
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5485
ISSUE STATEMENT The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, in collaboration with neighbors, businesses, the City of Eugene and Lane County, are creating a neighborhood plan that will guide decision-making in River Road and Santa Clara for decades to come. The plan will focus on four major topics—Land Use (including Housing), Economic Development, Parks and Natural Resources, and Transportation. An additional topic area—referred to broadly as Community—will address other related issues. The neighborhood planning project is divided into multiple phases, with frequent opportunities for the council to learn about the project along the way. In fall 2017, the project launched with extensive public involvement in the Reaching Out phase. This work session will provide an update on this first phase, while also sharing an overview on our next steps this spring as we move into the Vision and Action Plan phase. The second phase will be guided by the recently formed Community Advisory Committee and volunteer-led working groups, described below.
BACKGROUND The Envision Eugene Recommendation (2012) includes a commitment to future neighborhood planning under the Protect, Repair and Enhance Neighborhood Livability pillar. The River Road and Santa Clara communities were identified to begin neighborhood planning following local adoption of the urban growth boundary. In spring 2017, City Council directed Planning staff to initiate the neighborhood planning process. The neighborhood plan is intended to address areas of importance that were previously identified by the community organizations. These include Land Use, Transportation, Parks and Natural Resources, and Economic Development. The project team is guided by the following goals of the project: 1. Supports the Pillars of Envision Eugene, balances the varied directives under the Pillars, and advances the community vision. 2. Continue the Community-City-County collaboration through community-based activities. 3. Establish a clear vision for the future of River Road and Santa Clara, plan goals and policies to guide decision making, and create an action plan that guides implementation by the City, County and community members.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
4. Refine the Metro Plan and Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan for the Santa Clara and River Road communities. 5. Create a process that may serve as a transferable model for other neighborhood or key transit corridor planning initiatives.
Reaching Out Update From September to December 2017, the project team (City and County staff, public involvement firm Cogito, and neighborhood volunteers) reached out to a wide variety of groups and individuals to facilitate conversations and collect information about what the people of River Road and Santa Clara value about their neighborhood today and what they would like to see in the future. We have worked to raise awareness of the neighborhood plan, invite residents to attend community events, and gather input along the way. We hosted a major community event on October 17, 2017, with nearly 400 attendees and also conducted mobile outreach, hosted small group meetings, and canvassed businesses throughout both communities. These additional efforts attempted to reach people that do not typically attend conventional public outreach events—e.g., youth, Latinos, affordable housing residents, business interests, and Santa Clara residents outside the urban growth boundary. People engaged by playing with a set of “values cards” depicting common activities or themes in the neighborhood, writing on maps, and completing “My Idea” worksheets to offer future concepts. In December, the project team began reporting back to the broader community what had been heard in the various outreach sessions. Staff attempted to summarize the abundant information, while also respecting the need for transparency. Therefore, summary memos were provided along with the larger set of raw data (e.g., entire database of values, all the ‘My Idea’ worksheets). This approach allows readers to review based on interest level or time available. The project updates have been distributed in three parts. The first summarized the input received at the Community Event at North Eugene High School in October (Attachment A). The second installment gave readers access to an interactive, web-based map containing every comment received that could be geographically referenced. The final installment (Attachment B and C) highlighted outreach to groups that are often under-represented in outreach efforts. Each group—communities of color, rural residents, youth, low-income residents, people with disabilities and business entities—often do not participate in conventional meeting venues, although each for their own distinct reasons. Our team made an intentional effort to bring those voices into the Reaching Out phase by using existing meetings, setting up special meetings, and visiting shopping centers. As the Reaching Out phase concluded, the project team reviewed and catalogued the public input gathered over the past four months. In December, staff shared project summaries through e-newsletters and the project website (www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org). All project newsletters are archived on the project website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/3698/Newsletters. The Reaching Out summaries, more detailed reports, PDFs of the original worksheets, and the interactive web map can be reviewed on the project website’s “What Have We Heard?” page: https://www.eugene-or.gov/3668/What-Have-We-Heard.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
The end result is a large data set that includes a wide range of issues affecting these two communities. The outreach has been broad and diverse, often going to residents where they are in the community to gather their input. This approach will continue in future project phases, thereby broadening representation in creating the Vision and Action Plan, reviewing future proposals, and providing meaningful feedback. Within the large “Reaching Out” data set, several issues of shared importance emerged after tabulating the public responses.
Values (Current)
Walking and cycling safely (for all reasons)
Local, small shops
Pools and free play
Natural environment, especially the Willamette River
Large lots preserve trees
Local schools and parks
Agricultural heritage
My Idea (Future)
Preserve Agricultural land
Need well-designed infill, transition standards
Support small, local business
Need more restaurants
Santa Clara needs a community center, pool, dog park
Expand bus service
Improve sidewalks and add bike paths
Traffic calming needed
Resolve jurisdictional confusion In early February, the Community Advisory Committee and topic area working groups convened for the first time, along with City, County and partner agency staff members that comprise the Technical Advisory Committee. This preliminary meeting was the groups’ first step in combing through the public input from the Reaching Out phase, and beginning to craft a vision statement for each topic area. The working groups are comprised of volunteers that are able to dedicate the time to assisting staff and Community Advisory Committee in crafting the neighborhood plan. Subsequent CAC and working group meetings will occur this spring. Now, as the project moves into the second phase—Vision and Action Plan—the River Road and Santa Clara Community Organization Boards have made nominations to the Community Advisory Committee. As established by the project charter, the Planning Commission reviewed those nominations and confirmed the Committee. The CAC and project staff are now working together to ensure the collaborative approach continues in subsequent project phases.
Community Advisory Committee The neighborhood planning process has shifted into phase two, Vision and Action Plan. A key component of this phase is the local Community Advisory Committee. In June 2017, the Planning Commission approved the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan project charter. The project charter described the composition of the Community Advisory Committee in the following terms:
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
A Community Advisory Committee is an essential part of a community-based neighborhood
planning process. Ideally, the composition of the committee should employ the following
principles.
Be prepared and able to act in a deliberative, considerate, and civil manner.
Respect diverse community demographics and varied interests.
Weigh the perspectives and input of the whole community—for example, renters,
property-owners, homeowners, owners of large and small businesses, and members of
under-represented populations like Latinos or people of color, youth, or people with low
incomes—that have been offered during public engagement activities. In addition to the members nominated by the community organizations, project staff invites ex officio members to represent the special districts. These include the River Road Parks & Recreation District, River Road Water Board, Santa Clara Water Board, Santa Clara Fire District, Lane Rural Fire District, and the Eugene Water and Electric Board.
Nomination Process The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organization boards recruited volunteers throughout the fall of 2017, including a request at the major community event in October. Every applicant was asked to complete a simple questionnaire. This was made available through the community organizations, at public meetings, and on the project website. In addition to the written applications, the boards hosted all applicants for an interview process and nominated the following individuals:
River Road Members Santa Clara Members
Cameron Ewing Ann Vaughn
Jon Belcher Ed McMahon
Louisa De Heer Kate Perle (outside urban grown boundary)
Michele O’Leary Louie Vidmar
Rebecca Sprinson Rick Duncan
Luke Callahan (Alternate) Terah Cleveland Carl Below (alternate)
Committee Responsibilities The Project Charter outlines general roles and responsibilities for the Community Advisory Committee as follows.
Develop operating rules/bylaws by which the committee will function
Represent varied voices of the two communities; review and consider full breadth of public input
Volunteer and participate in outreach activities to their neighbors
Advise Project Management Team and Technical Advisory Team
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
To ensure continuity between working group activities and the Community Advisory Committee, CAC members are welcome to participate on the working groups
Review and provide feedback on deliverables
Work with City staff and Technical Advisory Committee to reach a mutually-agreed-upon community vision and plan that works with the larger Envision Eugene community vision
Make a final community recommendation that can be forwarded to the Planning Commissions
All meetings are considered public, will be advertised as such, and summary minutes provided online to ensure open communication
NEXT STEPS The project now moves into its second phase—Vision and Action Plan. Phase Two will translate the abundance of public input into a draft vision and implementing action plan. This phase will conclude with the second major community event in late May. At that time, we will seek public review and feedback on the draft Vision and Action Plan. The project team also plans to provide an update to the City Council prior to releasing the draft Vision and Action Plan. Lastly, staff from the Planning and Development Department as well as the office of Human Rights and Neighborhood Involvement are drafting neighborhood planning guidelines intended to clarify planning processes and roles and layout the various tools available to neighborhood groups to address their place-based concerns. They will also assist neighborhood groups in building their own capacity and offering examples of neighborhood engagement tools. The River Road-Santa Clara planning efforts serve as a model for other neighborhoods in many ways. The guidelines will be shared with various groups for input this spring. Once finalized, they will be shared with City Council.
COUNCIL OPTIONS The work session is informational and no action is requested.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The work session is informational and no action is requested.
SUGGESTED MOTION The work session is informational and no action is requested.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
ATTACHMENTS A. Reaching Out summary report 1 (Community Event) B. Reaching Out summary report 2 (Inclusive Outreach) C. Reaching Out summary report 3 (Rural Santa Clara and Business Canvassing)
FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Zach Galloway, Planning Telephone: 541-682-5485 Staff E-Mail: zach.a.galloway@ci.eugene.or.us
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 1
Introduction
With adoption of Eugene’s urban growth boundary complete, City Council directed staff to begin neighborhood
planning in the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods. With this direction, City staff began collaboration
with County staff and the two Community Organizations to ensure all residents are able to get involved.
This project update offers background information, summarizes some of what we have heard during the initial
Reaching Out phase – primarily from the first community event at North Eugene High School – and outlines
where we are headed in the new year.
Project description
The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, in collaboration with residents, businesses, the City
of Eugene and Lane County, have been reaching out to neighbors this fall to create a vision that will guide
decision-making in River Road and Santa Clara for decades to come. The plan will focus on four major topics:
Land Use Planning: What activities, like housing, shops or parks, do we want and where? How will the
neighborhood feel and look?
Economic Development: How will good jobs and services be supported?
Parks and Natural Resources: What do we want to happen with outdoor spaces?
Transportation: How will we get around?
The outcome of our work together will be a Neighborhood Plan adopted by the City of Eugene and Lane County
to guide the future growth and development of the River Road and Santa Clara areas.
Community collaboration
This is a collaborative effort among the River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, the City of
Eugene, and Lane County. The community organizations came together several years ago to work on the
SCRROL (Santa Clara River Road Outreach and Learning, 2012) and SCRRIPT (Santa Clara‐River Road
Implementation Planning Team) initiatives. The community organizations dedicated countless volunteer hours
in reaching out to and engaging neighbors. The results have formed a foundation for the neighborhood plan.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
ATTACHMENT A
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 2
Process to date
‘Reaching Out’ phase
This summer the community organizations and staff began the Reaching Out phase of this 18-month
project. Our Reaching Out efforts had three objectives:
1.We wanted to raise awareness about the project;
2.We wanted to get the word out about the October 17th community event at North Eugene High
School; and
3.We wanted to create opportunities for people to provide input on the future of their community.
We began raising awareness about the project by meeting with neighbors where they were. We
promoted the project at fun activities like Sunday Streets and the grand opening of the new River Road
Elementary School and during routine errands at the grocery store. Volunteers from the community
organizations canvassed their neighborhoods with informational flyers. There were stories in the regular
community organization newsletters and we used social media to spread the information, too. In total,
we attended more than 20 events in advance of the big October 17th event! This video contains footage
of that outreach.
The community event at North Eugene High School was a huge success, with nearly 400 people filling the
Highlander gymnasium. We were thrilled with this result. However, we know that many in the community
are unable to attend evening meetings, so we’ve made an extra effort to meet with them at more
convenient times and places.
We formed partnerships with trusted organizations like Saint Vincent DePaul, Food for Lane County, and
our local schools. These organizations have helped us to reach a broader swath of residents. In addition
to the large community event, small group meetings were held with high school students, affordable
housing residents, and Spanish speakers; a small group gathering of rural residents in Santa Clara will take
place later this month. Most recently, a group of neighborhood volunteers and City and County staff did
door-to-door canvassing of local businesses to gather their input on the neighborhood. [A summary of
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 3
those outreach efforts will be published early in 2018.] Our goal is to leave no stone unturned and give
everyone the opportunity to provide input into the vision for their neighborhood.
What we’ve heard
The River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
will be organized around 4 major topic areas
that were previously identified by neighbors.
The following summaries provide some high
points for each topic. These summaries are
based on what we’ve heard so far this Fall. If you
wish to read more, an inventory of all comments
received at the North Eugene High School
community event on October 17th, as well as
other small group activities, is available online.
Land Use
Many neighbors asked questions about
balancing growth and change while preserving
the unique neighborhood character. Agricultural
land and large residential lot sizes were the most
prominent responses when neighbors were
asked what they value now, with one resident
describing the neighborhood as the ‘interface
between downtown and rural.’ Some of the
most common comments regarding a vision for
the future were preserving agricultural land,
properly planning residential infill, and keeping
large lot sizes to allow for gardening. When
discussing the future, some residents expressed
concern over high-density developments not
being matched with adequate infrastructure,
such as parking spaces or traffic control.
Transportation
Transportation was the most heavily-discussed
topic throughout this phase of public outreach.
When asked what they value now, the most
common transportation-related answers related
to biking, walking, and the bus. Safety was
discussed in relation to every type of
transportation, such as neighbors saying that
they value crosswalks or walking to school
safely. The most common suggestions for the
future were adding more bike paths and bike
lanes, calming traffic on residential streets,
reducing traffic on main roads, and improving
pedestrian safety. Congestion, especially during
rush hour at main intersections, was a
prominent area of concern and neighbors
provided solutions such as redesigning River
Road or increasing public transit use.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 4
Parks & Natural Resources
Parks and Natural Resources was the category
that received the second largest number of
comments, after transportation. The riverfront
path received much attention within this
category, both in terms of being valued now and
as an area for improvement. Neighbors
especially value the bike path and habitat along
the river, and many people had suggestions
about cleaning it up or making it safer. Many
neighbors also said that they currently value
their local parks, and Emerald Park in particular
was mentioned in people’s responses. Other
suggestions for the future were more and better
maintained parks, preserving natural spaces,
and building/creating facilities such as a dog
park or pool within the neighborhood.
Economic Development
When asked what type of services or shopping
people value now, the most common answer
was local markets, followed by small shops.
Neighbors indicated that they value being near
services and believe small shops make the
neighborhood more friendly for walking and
biking. The most common suggestions for the
future were more restaurant and cafe options,
local markets and farmer’s markets, and small or
locally-owned businesses. There was an
especially common refrain that the
neighborhoods need a gathering space, such as
a public plaza or a welcoming food store with a
communal space. Other visions for the future
included job training in the community and
zoning changes to allow for more businesses.
Other Topics
There were several common responses that do
not fit into a specific category but reflect a
widespread hope or concern. Many residents
expressed a desire to build community with
their neighbors, and a common vision for the
future included establishing more community
gardens. Addressing homelessness in the
neighborhood was another priority among
residents, and was discussed in reference to
housing affordability, the river path, and overall
public safety. Residents also provided many
comments about the duplication of services
between City of Eugene and Lane County
providers. These comments ranged from
concerns over emergency response times to
support for special districts.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 5
Where we are headed in 2018
Reaching Out is winding down this month. In the coming weeks, this summary report will be accompanied
by an online map displaying the values and ideas expressed by residents, and summaries of additional
outreach efforts.
In 2018, we will move into the next phase of the project, crafting a Community Vision and an Action Plan
to turn that vision into reality. Just as the Reaching Out phase was a collaborative effort, so too will be the
Vision and Action Plan. To that end, the River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations are in the
process of nominating a Community Advisory Committee. In the new year, the Community Advisory
Committee, along with Focus Groups – one for each topic area – of neighbors and local experts, and City
and County staff will begin reviewing all these great ideas. These ideas will guide the creation of a
Community Vision and Action Plan.
Get Involved and stay informed!
If you received this project summary from a neighbor, consider signing up for the project e-newsletter.
The e-newsletter will keep you up to date with the neighborhood planning efforts, notify you of upcoming
meetings, and alert you to volunteer opportunities.
Visit the project website!
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org
Have questions or comments?
Let us know at CEPDDRRSCPlan@ci.eugene.or.us or 541.682.5485.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 1
Inclusive Outreach
PHASE I: REACHING OUT
Building a foundation of trust and democracy starts with
understanding who has a stake in the outcome of the project
and how and when they can participate. Public meetings are
often filled with elderly, white, middle class people listening to
public servants slogging through long presentations. To bring
in fresh voices, the project stepped out of the meeting room
and into the community, conducting unique activities with
interesting visuals that stimulated important conversations.
To involve youth, low-income residents, people with disabilities,
and communities of color, we forged relationships with key
community partners who have earned the trust and respect of
under-represented community members with consistent
service. Working in collaboration with organizations such as
Saint Vincent De Paul, Food for Lane County, and the school
districts, we involved people who do not attend public
meetings.
From September to December of 2017, the project reached out
to a wide variety of groups and individuals to facilitate
conversations and collect information about what works in
River Road and Santa Clara now, and what people would like to
see in the future. People engaged by playing with a set of cards
depicting common activities in the neighborhood, writing on a
map and completing “My Idea” sheets.
ATTACHEMENT B
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 2
What we’ve heard
Themes from the outreach include the
desire for equitable access to services,
including transportation, housing,
parks and recreation. Safety, whether
at home or on the street, is an
essential element for both residents
and businesses. Finally, a sense of
community and support for family is
paramount for residents.
Transportation
Bicycle and pedestrian safety and access is
essential. Improvements are needed to safely
access schools, businesses, parks, recreation,
and jobs in the area. For example, it is difficult
and dangerous to cross River Road and walk on
Division Avenue.
Traffic congestion contributes to the safety and
access issues. Improvements are needed to
transit access and frequency. Anti-EmX
sentiment exists.
Land Use
Affordable housing is a critical component for
low-income residents in River Road and Santa
Clara. Better connections between residences
and public transit is very important.
Preserving farmland was also a key factor in
maintaining a healthy local food supply.
Parks and Natural Resources
Residents value natural areas, especially along
the river.
Parks and Recreation provide activities for
families and teens, but there are financial
barriers to accessing services.
Public Safety
Crime, including drug use was a key concern.
Residents requested neighborhood watch
information. Problem areas include the
riverfront park and the Ross Lane/Hunsaker
area. People expressed concern about the
planned transit station in Santa Clara, and the
homeless issues it might generate.
Homeless issues must also be addressed.
Because low-income residents frequently walk,
bike, and use transit, they come into closer
contact with the homeless population. People
have compassion and want additional social
services to help solve the problem.
Next Steps
In 2018, we will move into the next phase of the
project, crafting a Community Vision and an
Action Plan to turn that vision into reality. To
participate in a focus group, or receive an
invitation to the next large meeting in May, sign
up to receive newsletters at www.RiverRoad-
SantaClaraPlan.org.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 3
Building Collaborations
The project collaborated with the following
organizations in developing and conducting the
outreach in Fall, 2017.
School Communities
North Eugene High School Leadership Class
Kelly Middle School - Multicultural Coordinator
El Camino del Rio/RR Elementary School
Irving Elementary- PTO
Low Income Residents
Santa Clara Place (SVDP)
Ross Lane (SVDP)
Greenleaf & Apple Orchard (Cornerstone)
Larry Collins Food Pantry (Food for Lane County)
Individuals with Disabilities
Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA)
LCOG Senior and Disabled Services
River Road Recreation District
Lane Transit District Accessible Transportation
Committee (ACT)
Race/Ethnic Minorities
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
League of United Latin American Citizens
(LULAC) of Lane County
Blacks in Government (BIG)
NAACP
Black Student Union
Latinx Leadership club at NEHS
Hola Oregon Magazine
River Road/Santa Clara businesses
Huerto de la Familia
The project also reached to two other groups
because they were not well represented at the
October 17 public meeting: businesses and rural
residents. Because business owners and
employees are often tied to the store from
morning till night, the project took the time to
conduct door-to-door visits to many of the
businesses along River Road and in other parts
of the two neighborhoods. Finally, the project
reached out to rural residents (residents who
live outside of the Urban Growth Boundary and
within the Santa Clara Community Organization
boundaries) who are unlikely to participate in
workshops not specifically targeted at their
unique circumstances. Summaries from those
groups are available in a separate memo.
Why inclusive outreach?
Our community and government has long
recognized the value and importance of
democratic representation in relation to race,
color, national origin, sex, age, disability, low-
income, and limited English proficiency:
The Title IV statute of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of
race, color, or national origin.
The concept of environmental justice was
defined in 1994: Executive Order 12898
directs federal agencies to identify and
address disproportionally high adverse
human health and environmental effects of
their programs, policies, and activities on
minority populations and low-income
populations.
These laws are intended to make planning and
decision-making more inclusive and to more
equitably share the impacts and benefits of
projects and programs receiving federal funding.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 1
Reaching Out : Rural Santa Clara & Business Canvassing
The ‘Reaching Out’ phase of the River Road – Santa Clara neighborhood planning process focused on
broad public awareness of the project and soliciting input on the neighborhood vision from a diversity of
voices. This report summarizes the targeted outreach conducted by City staff and neighborhood
volunteers to two specific stakeholder groups: rural residents of Santa Clara and businesses interests in
both neighborhoods.
For different reasons, business interests and rural residents do not typically attend traditional community
engagement events. Business owners are often tied to their store all day and may return to other parts of
the city in the evening. On the other hand, rural residents may not feel that an outreach event for the
‘neighborhood’ includes them. The project team though it was important to target outreach efforts at
these constituencies. The following sections summarize the project team’s approach to engaging these
communities and the resulting feedback.
Rural Outreach
The Santa Clara Community Organization includes rural residents who live beyond the urban growth
boundary (UGB). Members of this community are unlikely to participate in broader neighborhood
workshops that are not tailored to their unique geographic location.
Over twenty participants attended the rural Santa Clara workshop held at Madison Middle School on
December 14, 2017. Jointly hosted by the City of Eugene, Lane County and the River Road and Santa Clara
Community Organizations, attendees had the opportunity to participate in the same activities as those
who came to the large community event in October: a mapping exercise to identify what they value about
the area, and a ‘my ideas’ activity that asked participants to share their future hopes for the
neighborhood. These activities generated the
following results.
Land Use
Land use was discussed extensively by
participants at the rural outreach event. The
majority of land use comments were about
protecting the existing farm zoning and high
quality soil. That said, there were also
frustrations expressed over the limits to land
uses resulting from being outside the UGB. A
recurring suggestion was to address the
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 2
perceived mismatch between zoning and the
unique characteristics (e.g., soil type, size,
existing uses, etc.) of each plot. Moreover, there
were a few requests for specific lots to be
included within the UGB.
Transportation
Transportation was also discussed at the rural
outreach event, though it was not a major focus.
Several rural Santa Clara residents identified
congestion around River Road and the Beltline
as an issue to be addressed. Other
recommendations included improving the bus
routes and pedestrian safety in Santa Clara.
Residents expressing mixed views on adding
sidewalks on roads that feel rural.
Parks & Natural Resources
Parks and natural resources was the category
that received the second largest number of
comments from the rural group after land use.
Residents said they value farmland and soil
quality, and want to protect it. Many residents
indicated that they appreciate the habitat and
wildlife in the area. The river is also valued for
recreation, and people expressed a desire for
increased river access.
Economic Development
The main economic development feedback from
the rural outreach was about the need for a
farmer’s market. This was described as being
good for the farms and as a way to bring people
together and foster community. The online map
produced by the neighborhood planning team
reflects suggested locations.
Other Topics
Among the rural outreach participants, there
were comments about the value of the current
sense of community. Participants expressed a
desire to foster this asset. Suggestions included
community gathering spaces and more
community events.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 3
Business Outreach
Regardless of whether business owners and employees reside in the neighborhood, they have a stake in
the outcome of the neighborhood planning processes. However, they are often tied to their work place
and may not be able to attend conventional neighborhood outreach events. With this in mind, the project
team made a concerted effort to reach out to businesses in the River Road and Santa Clara
neighborhoods.
In November and December, neighborhood volunteers teamed with City and County staff to conduct
door-to-door outreach. These pairs spoke with nearly three hundred businesses along River Road and in
other commercial areas throughout the two neighborhoods. They promoted the neighborhood planning
process, conducted interviews, and encouraged business owners and employees to get involved. The
results of the interviews are summarized below.
Land Use
Land use did not receive many comments from
the business owners or employees. The few
points of concern that did emerge were
limitations of zoning and frustrations with the
permitting process and signage regulations.
Transportation
Businesses offered many comments related to
transportation during the canvassing. Traffic
along River Road was the most common
transportation-related concern. Respondents
said they had witnessed minor accidents as cars
tried to turn in and out of parking lots. A handful
of respondents supported another bridge over
the river to ease congestion. The River Road –
Randy Pape Beltline interchange was identified
as a problem area for traffic congestion.
Economic Development
Many respondents said they enjoyed the
neighborhood and liked the businesses around
them. There was interest expressed in a
business association for the River Road area to
support communication between businesses. A
recurring concern among respondents was the
effect that homelessness had on their
operations. Comments on the topic of
homelessness are discussed further under Other
Topics below.
Other Topics
There were many valuable comments that
reflected widespread views but did not fit into
one of the main plan topic areas. Homelessness
was the most common concern among business
respondents, and some expressed frustration at
the lack of services. Attitudes reflected a mix of
compassion and frustration with dealing with
issues that business owners attributed to the
homeless population, such as trash and
vandalism around their businesses. Along these
lines, business canvassing revealed concerns
about graffiti, crime, and a desire for increased
police presence.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 4
Conclusion
This targeted outreach helped diversify the voices involved in the neighborhood planning process. The
values, hopes, and concerns expressed by these stakeholders will be balanced with those expressed by
other members of the public to create a comprehensive community vision.
Where we are headed in 2018
The Reaching Out project phase concluded in December, 2017. In 2018, we will move into the next phase
of the project, crafting a Community Vision and an Action Plan to turn that vision into reality. Just as the
Reaching Out phase was a collaborative effort, so too will be the Vision and Action Plan. To that end, the
River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations have nominated a Community Advisory Committee.
The Community Advisory Committee, along with Focus Groups – one for each topic area – of neighbors
and local experts, and City and County staff will begin reviewing all these great ideas. These ideas will
guide the creation of a Community Vision and Action Plan.
Get Involved and stay informed!
If you received this project summary from a neighbor, consider signing up for the project e-newsletter.
The e-newsletter will keep you up to date with the neighborhood planning efforts, notify you of upcoming
meetings, and alert you to volunteer opportunities.
Visit the project website!
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org
Have questions or comments? Let us know at CEPDDRRSCPlan@ci.eugene.or.us or 541.682.5485.
March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Work Session: River Road–Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Project Update Meeting Date: November 19, 2018 Agenda Item Number: 2 Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Eric Brown
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5208
ISSUE STATEMENT The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, in collaboration with neighbors, businesses, the City of Eugene and Lane County, are creating a neighborhood plan that will guide decision-making in River Road and Santa Clara for decades to come. The plan will focus on five topic areas—Land Use (which includes housing), Economic Development, Parks and Natural Resources, Transportation, and Community. The neighborhood planning project is divided into key phases, with frequent opportunities for council to learn about the project along the way. In fall 2017, the project launched with extensive public involvement during the Reaching Out phase. Council received an overview of the results from this phase in March 2018. Since then, project staff and consultants have worked with the Community Advisory Committee and topic area working group members to develop vision statements and draft goals for the plan as part of the Neighborhood Visioning phase. The broader community was also engaged in the Neighborhood Priorities phase this summer with a particular emphasis on reaching out to underrepresented community members.
Project Phases
Reaching Out Neighborhood
Visioning
Neighborhood
Priorities
Policy
Development
Action
Planning Adoption
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
This work session will focus on the approach and results of the summer outreach on neighborhood priorities and provide an overview of where we are headed over the winter with the Policy Development phase, the Action Planning phase, and the Adoption phase
BACKGROUND The Envision Eugene Recommendation (2012) includes a commitment to future neighborhood planning under the Protect, Repair, and Enhance Neighborhood Livability pillar. In spring 2017, City Council directed Planning staff to initiate the neighborhood planning process. The project is guided by the following goals:
1. Support the Pillars of Envision Eugene, balance the varied directives under the Pillars, and advance the community vision. 2. Continue the Community-City-County collaboration through community-based activities. 3. Establish a clear vision for the future of River Road and Santa Clara, develop goals and policies to guide decision-making, and create an action plan that guides implementation by the City, County and community members. 4. Refine the Metro Plan and Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan for the Santa Clara and River Road communities. 5. Create a process that may serve as a transferable model for other neighborhood or key transit corridor planning initiatives.
Public Involvement The River Road-Santa Clara neighborhood planning process includes a high degree of neighborhood involvement, providing multiple ways for people to engage and ensuring that underrepresented communities are offered meaningful opportunities to participate. To ensure that community values are considered at all stages of the project, a Community Advisory Committee of 13 neighborhood representatives guides the project. CAC members provide direction on project decisions, facilitate smaller working groups, conduct outreach, and are charged with considering and representing the range of perspectives that exist in the neighborhoods. In addition to the CAC, ad hoc working groups for each of the topic areas of the plan dive into the details of existing City-wide and regional plans and policies, and consider outreach results in drafting vision statements, goals and neighborhood policies. At each phase of the process, the project team has collected community input through a variety of outreach methods, such as large public meetings and opportunities to engage online. All materials and opportunities to engage are posted on the project website, and regular updates are sent via e-newsletter to over 1,000 interested parties.
Vision, Goals and Neighborhood Priorities Since the update provided to council in March 2018, staff and the CAC have drafted and revised vision statements for each of the topic areas. The draft vision statements were presented back to the broader community in June for input and feedback. The vision statements included in Attachment A are the versions that emerged after community members’ suggestions were incorporated.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
At the June community event, residents were also asked to weigh in on key questions under each of the topic areas. These questions were written after working groups reviewed the data collected during the Reaching Out phase (fall 2017) and identified the biggest trade-offs and decisions to be made within each of the topic areas. Presenting these potential trade-offs to the public early on in the process opened up discussion and provided the CAC with a strong foundation of public input on which to base policy recommendations. The June events were held on two different days and at two different times in order to allow more people to participate. They were advertised through the Community Organizations, through our 1,000+ member interested parties list, and through direct mailing to every address in the neighborhoods. Over 300 people attended the June events! In order to reach a broader spectrum of community members, the project team and CAC members also took the questionnaire to a number of venues where underrepresented community members gather, live and/or receive services. These efforts resulted in the completion of nearly 150 additional questionnaires. The results of this outreach are provided in the link below and are informing the policy development phase of this project.
Next Steps We are in the Policy Development phase of the planning process. CAC members and working group members are now writing draft policies under each of the neighborhood plan goals. Each goal has a CAC member assigned who is leading the policy writing process, with support from relevant staff members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). On December 5, there will be a “Policy Round-Up” for the CAC, project staff, the TAC and working group members to see all of the policies in one place, identify any remaining gaps and ensure that the policies are mutually reinforcing. The outcome of this meeting will be a refined set of draft goals and policies to bring back to the broader community in January 2019 at the next large community event. The January community event will mark the end of the Policy Writing phase and the beginning of the Action Planning phase, where we identify what we can do as a community to make the neighborhood vision a reality and implement the neighborhood plan policies. This will be followed by the Adoption phase when council will be asked to adopt the neighborhood plan.
River Road Transit Community Implementation Plan Many of the ideas articulated in the neighborhood vision statements are related to the River Road corridor. From land use to transportation to economic development, River Road is central to implementing the neighborhood vision. With this in mind, the River Road Transit Community Implementation Plan was launched at the end of October. The project will investigate the impacts of enhancing transit services along the River Road corridor, including gentrification, economic feasibility of redevelopment, and design considerations for station areas between the corridor and nearby residential areas. This work is funded by a $450,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration and is designed to integrate with the neighborhood planning process. Products
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
from this grant, such as draft development code, will directly implement the community vision for the River Road corridor up to Hunsaker Lane, the location of Lane Transit District’s planned Santa Clara community transit station.
RELATED CITY POLICIES The process to develop a neighborhood plan for the River Road and Santa Clara Neighborhoods is in alignment and consistent with policy direction contained in Envision Eugene, Eugene’s Climate Recovery Ordinance, and Eugene’s Transportation System Plan. Additionally, the project has embraced a Triple Bottom Line approach, considering the social, environmental and economic impacts of policies and actions, an approach that will be enhanced by the Triple Bottom Line Sounding Board (to be convened in the New Year).
COUNCIL OPTIONS This work session is informational and no action is requested.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION This work session is informational and no action is requested.
SUGGESTED MOTION This work session is informational and no action is requested.
ATTACHMENTS A. Draft Vision Statements and Goals B. Neighborhood Priorities Questionnaire C. Neighborhood Priorities Report
FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Eric Brown Telephone: 541-682-5208 Staff E-Mail: ebrown@eugene-or.gov
Draft Vision Statements and Goals
Economic Development
Vision Statement:
The River Road and Santa Clara communities support sustainable economic development, a
variety of employment opportunities for all residents, and local entrepreneurship. Economic
activity, especially that of local businesses, contributes to a shared neighborhood identity, while
providing places to gather and build community. Natural assets, such as the river and fertile
soils, benefit local residents and support thriving businesses. Residents can safely access
essential goods and services within a short distance from home.
Goals:
1. Improve the neighborhood economy and empower local residents by encouraging the
growth and creation of local businesses.
2. Promote redevelopment that enhances the character of our neighborhood while increasing
access to daily needs.
3. Promote living wage employment and business ownership opportunities within the
neighborhood.
Transportation
Vision Statement:
The integrated transportation system in River Road and Santa Clara is safe, efficient, and
accessible for people of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic levels who choose to bike, walk,
drive, or use public transit. This system supports redevelopment, economic opportunity and
affordable, convenient access to daily needs. The design of the transportation system enhances
the sense of place and serves the evolving needs of the community. Our transportation system
is environmentally responsible and supports low carbon transportation options.
Goals:
4. Promote connected and efficient multi-modal transportation options that support economic
opportunities within River Road and Santa Clara.
5. Improve and promote a transportation system that is affordable, environmentally
responsible and transitions to zero carbon.
6. Promote safe, accessible and efficient transportation for all.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
ATTACHMENT A
Parks and Natural Resources
Vision Statement:
River Road and Santa Clara celebrate a rich diversity of private and shared green spaces,
including parks for recreation, natural areas that support native plants and wildlife, and
farmland for food production. All residents have a clean, safe, accessible and well maintained
park or recreation facility close to their home. Residents have access to the Willamette River,
which is celebrated as a natural asset, a defining characteristic of both neighborhoods, and a
statewide resource to be protected for future generations. Natural assets, such as the tree
canopy, soils and the watershed, are highly valued and cared for as natural infrastructure that
enhances ecosystem health, provides opportunities for recreation, and supports the working
landscape.
Goals:
7. Ensure that natural areas are healthy, thriving spaces with habitat for native species and
provide natural infrastructure.
8. Provide neighborhood access to recreational opportunities, parks, and community centers.
9. Ensure the Willamette River is a vital and accessible part of the neighborhoods.
10. Preserve agricultural land and open spaces within and around our neighborhood
boundaries.
Land Use
Vision Statement:
Land use in River Road and Santa Clara supports neighborhood character and local identity,
including our long-standing agricultural heritage and high value soils. Our neighborhoods are
walkable, with a range of housing types affordable to all residents. Abundant shops, services
and community spaces are served by a variety of transportation options. Strategic development
and revitalization in more urban locations, especially the River Road corridor, help maintain
neighborhood character while meeting our housing and economic needs in a way that is
environmentally responsible. Development is well designed, sustainable, and compatible with
existing surroundings. Adjacent to the Willamette River greenway, development improves
safety, enhances access, and respects ecological functions.
Goals:
11. Support development that is well designed, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
12. Ensure that future housing addresses the needs of our community.
13. Support a thriving, vibrant and active mixed neighborhood centers along the River Road
corridor.
14. Promote land use and development that protects and enhances neighborhood character.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Community
Vision Statement:
The River Road and Santa Clara Neighborhoods exude a strong sense of place. They are
welcoming and inclusive neighborhoods for people of all backgrounds. River Road and Santa
Clara celebrate and nurture community unity and diverse cultures, while honoring the rich
history of farming in the neighborhoods. The community recognizes the value of natural assets,
such as the River, and thriving shared spaces, such as parks, schools and local businesses. Our
neighborhoods are safe, resilient, and engaged, with strong social networks and reliable public
services.
Goals:
15. Ensure our community is welcoming and inclusive.
16. Foster collaborative relationships to build a stronger and more resilient community.
17. Empower citizens to jointly create a strong sense of community.
18. Provide public services appropriate to the needs of the community.
19. Increase resilience in local food, water, and disaster preparedness systems necessary for
human health and wellbeing.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Community Event #2
06.06.18, 5:30-8:00 pm
Location: North Eugene HS Cafeteria, 200 Silver Lane
AGENDA
5:30-6:00 Open House
•Music, food, visiting, background maps
•Visit visions statements and images, provide your feedback
6:00 -6:25 Large Group Presentation
•Welcome – Kate Perle and Jon Belcher, Community Advisory Committee Co-
Chairs
•What are we doing tonight? – Zach Galloway, City Project Manager
•Musical chairs
6:25–7:40 Small Group Activity
•Group discussions about the challenging issues identified in the Vision
7:40 – 8:00 Large Group Conversation
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
ATTACHMENT B
OPTIONAL: This information will help insure the project gathers input from a range of people. These
categories are used so the project can compare survey results to Census data.
1. Where do you live?
River Road
Santa Clara
Rural Santa Clara (outside UGB)
Other: _____________
2. What is your age?
17 and under
18 – 24
25 – 39
40 – 59
60 and over
3. How many people live or stay in your
home?
1
2
3
4+
4. Do children or teenagers (17 and under) live
in your household?
Yes
No
5. What is your gender?
Male
Female
Another gender identity
6. Do you experience a disability?
Yes
No
7. Do you have access to an automobile?
Yes
No
Yes, but not on a regular basis
8. Select all races/ethnicities you identify with:
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
Middle Eastern or North African
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific
Islander
White
Another race/ethnicity
Please list any other race(s) or
ethnicity(ies) here:
9. Please estimate your total household
income for 2017 before taxes.
Less than $35,000
$35,000-$74,000
$75,000 +
I don’t know
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Small Group Questionnaire
Please complete this questionnaire in your small group and turn it in before you leave tonight. Each
table will explore a challenging issue related to one of the 5 topic areas – Transportation, Land Use,
Community, Economic Development, and Parks & Natural Resources.
I. LAND USE
Q1. In the next 20 years, approximately 40,000 people will be moving to Eugene. Although it is difficult
to predict the real estate market, the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods could absorb more
than 4,000 of those new residents. How are we going to provide housing for the people who are
anticipated to move into River Road and Santa Clara over the next 20 years? Neighbors value both
agricultural land and affordable housing. The following scenarios address these values by increasing
density in the urban area, also known as the urban growth boundary.
Read the scenarios below and check () the option you prefer.
a. DISPERSED throughout the neighborhoods, development will continue to occur based on existing
development standards, which allow higher densities than what was built in the past.
•Continue existing pattern of Denser Housing Types throughout RR-SC (note: existing
regulations allow for 14 homes per acre)
•Continue Multi-Story Apartments along River Road
•Maintain Single Family Houses and Backyard Cottages throughout the River Road and Santa
Clara neighborhoods (RR-SC)
b. Concentrated ALONG RIVER ROAD. Multi-story Apartments, as well as buildings with residential
and businesses mixed together, are concentrated along River Road at major intersections with
access to businesses and transit service.
•Reduce Denser Housing Types throughout RR-SC
•Increase Multi-Story Apartments along River Road
•Maintain Single Family Houses and Backyard Cottages throughout RR-SC
c. Concentrated ALONG MAJOR STREETS. New housing is provided in strategic locations, along
major streets or adjacent to existing businesses.
•Increase Denser Housing Types along major streets
•Reduce Multi-Story Apartments and increase smaller 4-unit apartment buildings along major
streets
•Maintain Single Family Houses and Backyard Cottages throughout RR-SC
d. None of the above. My preferred scenario is on the back.
Comments:
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
a.Dispersed through the
neighborhoods
c.Concentrated along
major streets
b.Concentrated along
River Road
Denser Housing Types
· Cottage Cluster
· Rowhouse/Townhouse
· Duplex/Triplex
Single Family House with Backyard
Cottage
Multi-Story Apartment
Land Use Descriptions
Land Use Scenarios
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
II.TRANSPORTATION
Streets in River Road and Santa Clara have evolved over time from country lanes to what they are today.
A mixture of old and new streets create gaps in sidewalks, a significant safety concern for both young
and old. Review the street designs below, and choose the designs that you think would best serve River
Road and Santa Clara in the future.
Q2. As our neighborhoods grow, how should the streets evolve to improve safety, assist people that
are walking and biking, and better connect our neighborhoods?
Check () as many boxes as you want and tell us why.
a. Maintain the existing neighborhood
streets as they are currently designed,
with many having no sidewalks.
b. Maintain existing streets, and when
improvements are necessary, streets have
open swales for natural drainage, sidewalk
on one side, street trees, and wider areas
provided occasionally for parking (“parking
bays”).
c. Maintain existing streets, and when
improvements are necessary, provide
sidewalks on both sides, curb & gutter,
on-street parking, street trees, bicycle
lanes on busy streets, and piped
stormwater.
d. None of the above. My preferred street design solution is below or on the back.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
III.COMMUNITY
Q3a: Community means lots of different things to different people. How will neighborhood
organizations decide where to concentrate valuable volunteer energy or other resources?
Review the list of issues below, and rank your top three, using 1 as top priority.
a. Focus on increasing the number and diversity of community events and gathering spaces,
including collaborations between the area schools, parks, and the neighborhood, outdoor concerts,
festivals, theater, and art-based activities.
b. Focus on improving and expanding services to community members in need, including low-
income seniors, un-housed residents, and ways to address issues related to homelessness.
c. Increase public safety, for example: more patrols, better security in commercial areas, more
neighborhood watch groups, better lighting, and safer streets.
d. Focus on activities that build a green community where neighbors promote and support
gardening, plant trees, and maintain a verdant landscape.
e. Focus on activities that build a resilient community where neighbors focus on preparing for and
responding to emergencies and take care of basic needs such as food, energy, water and culture at
home and nearby.
f. Focus on solving the challenge of delivering government services to the neighborhood, including
police, fire, water, and recreation. Discuss and address challenges of patchwork annexation.
g. None of these reflect my community priorities. Here is my top priority:
Q3b: Neighborhood leaders have worked on a draft vision for the neighborhoods. How will
that vision be achieved? Read the 3 scenarios below and check () the option you prefer.
a. I am satisfied with how things are now in the neighborhood.
b. I would like to see a minor increase in community building and neighborhood involvement,
building a larger network to support the neighborhood.
c. I will work with others to create a significant increase in community building to create a much
larger, diverse, and engaged network of area organizations and activities.
d. None of the above work for me. My preferred scenario is on the back.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
IV.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Q4. Where people work and shop impacts how neighborhoods look, feel, and function. In all scenarios,
neighbors and businesses strive to contribute to neighborhood identity, build community and take care
of the environment.
Here are a few ideas for the long-term future, check () the one you prefer.
a. Most residents live in RR-SC, commute to work in other areas, and also do most of their
shopping in other areas of town. Neighbors support and enhance existing area businesses. Some
businesses expand to attract customers from other areas of town to the RR-SC area. (This reflects
what happens today.)
b. Most residents live in RR-SC, commute to work in other areas, but do more of their shopping in
the neighborhood. The neighborhoods increase shopping choices in the neighborhood by
supporting existing and new businesses. There are more services closer to residential areas with
both the benefits and effects of living near businesses.
c. Most Residents live, work, socialize and shop in the RR-SC area. Neighborhood businesses meet
residents’ shopping needs, and RR-SC home-based businesses and cottage/light industry create
living-wage jobs for neighbors. The business community is vibrant, sustained by the local
community, and potentially becomes a destination because of that success.
d. None of the above work for me. My preferred scenario is on the back.
a. b. c.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
V. PARKS + NATURAL RESOURCES
People in River Road and Santa Clara value green space and want to see it protected, enhanced and
expanded to varying degrees. Use the map to familiarize yourself with the two communities and the
existing parks, recreation, and natural areas. How would you like to see resources (money and labor)
spent?
Q5a: If you had money to buy land for future initiatives, which of the following would be your top 3
priorities? (Use 1 as top priority)
a. A plaza or gathering spot in an otherwise commercial area
b. Small parks in all parts of the neighborhoods so that everyone has a neighborhood park site close
to their home
c. Additional land for a large community park (athletic fields, pool, community center, etc.)
d. Additional land along the river to expand the greenway/ bike path
e. Trail connections to farmlands beyond the city limits
f. Lands around local streams, natural drainages, stormwater conveyances, and other natural areas.
Q5b: If you had money to pay for improvements to existing parks, recreation facilities, and natural
areas, which of the following would be your top 3 priorities? (Use 1 as top priority)
a. A plaza or gathering spot in an otherwise commercial area
b. Small parks in all parts of the neighborhoods so that everyone has a developed neighborhood
park close to their house
c. Recreation amenities such as community gardens, large playground, dog park, athletic fields and
courts in a larger community park
d. A community center and/or a Pool facility
e. Trails and habitat restoration in natural areas
f. Improved connectivity for biking and walking
g. River access
h. None of the above work for me. My ideas for parks and natural resources in my neighborhood
are on the back.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 1
Neighborhood Priorities
Introduction
The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, in collaboration with residents, businesses, the City
of Eugene and Lane County, have been reaching out to neighbors to create a vision that will guide decision-
making in River Road and Santa Clara for decades to come. The outcome of our work together will be a
Neighborhood Plan adopted by the City of Eugene and Lane County to guide the future growth and
development of the River Road and Santa Clara areas.
Process to Date
In the fall of 2017, during the "Reaching Out" phase, community members were asked what they value now in
their neighborhood and what their hopes for the future are. The results of this outreach identified areas where
community members were united, and it flagged some more complicated areas for future neighborhood
conversations.
In the spring and summer of 2018, we zeroed in on those challenging issues, asking the ‘tough questions’ about
how the community will grow and change over time. Questions were organized under the five topic areas of
the plan: land use, transportation, economic development, parks and natural resources, and community.
While delving into these challenging issues, community members also worked together to create overarching
vision statements for each of the five topic areas. See appendix A and B for the vision statements and
subsequent draft goals developed in the summer and fall of 2018.
Starting in fall 2018, we will identify policies and potential implementation strategies, which will set the stage for
action planning in the new year.
Community Collaboration
This project is a collaborative effort among the River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, the City of
Eugene, and Lane County. Over the winter we launched two key community groups:
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is composed of 13 volunteers nominated by the community
organizations and appointed by the Planning Commission. The CAC communicates with the public and
provides recommendations to staff on project management and process.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
ATTACHMENT C
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 2
Working groups for each of the five topic areas meet regularly to dive into the details within that topic.
Working group members help develop public input tools, analyze public input results, and are an
integral part of developing the vision, goals, policies and actions. These working groups are ad hoc and
interested community members can join at any time.
Both the CAC and the working groups met monthly during the winter and spring to review the results of the
Reaching Out Phase, develop the key questions asked over the summer, and craft the vision, goals, and policies
of the plan. They continue to meet monthly, honing the plan’s policies and actions.
The CAC and working groups build on a long tradition of community organizing in River Road and Santa Clara.
The community organizations came together several years ago to work on the SCRROL (Santa Clara River Road
Outreach and Learning, 2012) and SCRRIPT (Santa Clara‐River Road Implementation Planning Team) initiatives.
The community organizations dedicated countless volunteer hours in reaching out to and engaging neighbors.
The results have formed a foundation for the neighborhood plan.
Community Outreach
In the spring of 2018, the CAC and the working groups helped develop critical questions under each of the plan
topic areas. The questionnaire they developed provided the basis for many forms of outreach:
The June 2018 community forums provided a chance for neighbors to discuss the questionnaire in small
groups and hear differing opinions. The events were held on two different days of the week
(Wednesday and Sunday) and at different times (evening and afternoon) to make it more accessible to
people with varying schedules. Recruitment to the forum included a hard copy invitation mailed to all
property owners in River Road and Santa Clara, email invitations to more than 1000 people on the
project’s interested parties list, yard signs at high traffic areas (such as parks and major intersections),
and posters in area businesses. In addition, community volunteers attended neighborhood events and
personally extended invitations to attendees. RESULT: Over 300 attendees.
The online survey, posted after the June forum, was disseminated through the website, interested
parties emails, area organizations, and Facebook. RESULT: 106 completed surveys.
The project team worked hard on inclusive outreach to connect with people who were not well
represented at the community forum: youth, communities of color, people with disabilities, and low-
income residents. Events included a picnic for young families, attendance at the North Eugene
Highlanders football team practice, a small group discussion with people with disabilities, and individual
conversations with people with limited incomes. The project collaborated with organizations such as
Cornerstone Housing, St. Vincent De Paul, Headstart, Lane Independent Living Alliance, St. Mary’s
Church, the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz, North Eugene High School, and Huerto de la Familia.
RESULT: 142 completed surveys.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 3
Outreach Results
The following charts show the responses to each question in the questionnaire. These include the responses
collected through all forms of outreach, including verbal surveys, the online questionnaire, small group
discussions, and the large community forums in June 2018. See Appendix B for a full version of the
questionnaire. Following the tallied, overall responses are the responses broken down by various subgroups to
see where they either differ or match the overall responses.
For each question, participants were invited to create their own scenario instead of choosing one of the options
in the questionnaire. Many respondents also provided comments along with their questionnaire responses.
Themes within these open-ended responses are included with the overall results.
Land Use
Participants were asked the following Land Use question:
In the next 20 years, approximately 40,000 people will be moving to Eugene. Although it is
difficult to predict the real estate market, the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods
could absorb more than 4,000 of those new residents. How are we going to provide
housing for the people who are anticipated to move into River Road and Santa Clara over
the next 20 years? Neighbors value both agricultural land and affordable housing. The
following scenarios address these values by increasing density in the urban area, also
known as the urban growth boundary.
Many respondents provided additional comments or created their own scenario instead of choosing one of the
scenarios provided. Below are key themes of the open-ended input:
Concern over building heights
Incentivizing or reducing barriers for accessory dwelling units
27%
26%
47%
Overall Responses: Land Use
A: Dispersed throughout
neighborhoods
B: Concentrated along River
Road
C: Concentrated along major
streets
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 4
Connections between land use and transportation, especially related to parking issues and locating
developments near public transit lines
Preserving single family houses
Affordability
Results by Neighborhood
Participants from River Road and Santa Clara had very similar responses to the Land Use question. In both
neighborhoods, around half of respondents selected Scenario C, concentrated along major streets, and the
remaining responses split evenly between Scenarios A and B.
A much smaller number of people who live outside of the UGB responded to the questionnaire, so it is harder
to generalize about community opinions. However, as the chart below shows, respondents who live outside
the UGB favored Scenarios B, concentrated along River Road, and C, concentrated along major streets to a
greater degree than the general population.
15%
40%
45%
Santa Clara (Outside of UGB) Responses: Land Use
A: Dispersed throughout
neighborhoods
B: Concentrated along River
Road
C: Concentrated along major
streets
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 5
Results: People with Disabilities
Participants who experience a disability chose Scenario C, concentrated along major streets, most often, which
is the same as the majority response. However, they were more likely to choose Scenario B, concentrated along
River Road, and less likely to choose Scenario A, dispersed throughout the neighborhood.
Results: Communities of Color
About half of respondents from communities of color chose Scenario C, concentrated along major streets, which
is consistent with the overall responses. However, people of color were more likely to select Scenario A,
dispersed throughout the neighborhoods, and less likely to select Scenario B, concentrated along River Road,
than the general respondents.
14%
33%
53%
People with Disabilities Responses: Land Use
A: Dispersed throughout
neighborhoods
B: Concentrated along River
Road
C: Concentrated along major
streets
34%
12%
54%
Communities of Color Responses: Land Use
A: Dispersed throughout
neighborhoods
B: Concentrated along River
Road
C: Concentrated along major
streets
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 6
Results: Low Income (Household income below $35,000)
Respondents with low incomes were less likely to select Scenario B, concentrated along River Road than the
general population. They were more likely to prefer Scenario C, concentrated along major streets.
27%
16%
57%
Low Income Responses: Land Use
A: Dispersed throughout
neighborhoods
B: Concentrated along River
Road
C: Concentrated along major
streets
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 7
Transportation
Participants were asked the following Transportation question:
As our neighborhoods grow, how should the streets evolve to improve safety, assist people
that are walking and biking, and better connect our neighborhoods? Check as many boxes
as you want and tell us why. The goal is to choose the best design for each street, also
known as “context-sensitive design.”
Many respondents provided additional comments or created their own scenario instead of choosing one of the
scenarios provided. Below are key themes of the open-ended input:
Improvements should depend on how heavily trafficked the street is
Concerns over impacts to property owners
Safety concerns, need for sidewalks near schools
Varied comments about street trees—both about preserving them and negative impacts
Need for traffic calming
18%
43%
39%
Overall Responses: Transportation
A: Maintain current street design, with
many having no sidewalks
B: Streets with swales, sidewalk on one side,
street trees, and parking bays
C: Streets with sidewalks on both sides,
curb & gutter, on-street parking, piped
stormwater, bicycle lanes, and street trees
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 8
Results by Neighborhood
Respondents from Santa Clara, both those inside and outside the UGB, had the same responses as the overall
population. However, respondents from River Road were more likely to choose Scenario B, the hybrid
scenario, and less likely to choose Scenario C, the full complement of urban services on both sides.1
Results: People with Disabilities
Participants with a disability ranked the transportation scenarios similarly to the overall responses, and
therefore no chart is provided below. However, in the comments provided on the questionnaire and through
more in-depth interviews, certain themes emerged, including:
Importance of linking land use and transportation
Importance of making sidewalks and public transportation accessible to those with mobility issues,
such as through curb cuts and proper grading
Importance of making streets safer by slowing traffic and improving pedestrian experience
1 One hundred people who answered the transportation question did not provide their neighborhood,
therefore their responses are included in the overall responses above but not the breakdown by
neighborhood.
22%
52%
26%
River Road Responses: Transportation
A: Maintain current street design, with
many having no sidewalks
B: Streets with swales, sidewalk on one
side, street trees, and parking bays
C: Streets with sidewalks on both sides,
curb & gutter, on-street parking, piped
stormwater, bicycle lanes, and street
trees
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 9
Results: Communities of Color
The most prominent difference in transportation responses from people of color was that Scenario C, with more
fully developed streets, was chosen much more often than in the overall responses. Scenario B, the hybrid
option, was much less likely to be chosen, and Scenario A, current design, received about the same percentage
of votes.
Results: Low Income
Low-income participants answered the transportation question similarly to the majority response.
16%
26%58%
Communities of Color Responses: Transportation
A: Maintain current street design,
with many having no sidewalks
B: Streets with swales, sidewalk on
one side, street trees, and parking
bays
C: Streets with sidewalks on both
sides, curb & gutter, on-street
parking, piped stormwater, bicycle
lanes, and street trees
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 10
Community
Participants were asked the following Community question:
Community means lots of different things to different people. How will neighborhood
organizations decide where to concentrate valuable volunteer energy or other resources?
Review the list of issues below, and rank your top three, using 1 as top priority.
Many respondents provided additional comments or created their own scenario instead of choosing one of the
options. Below are key themes of that more open-ended input:
Homelessness—both support and opposition to services for homeless populations
Suggestions of ways to create a community gathering space
Connections between the different options, especially how building a resilient community overlaps with
other options.
Results by Neighborhood
As the chart shows, respondents from River Road selected building a green community as a higher priority than
the overall responses. Otherwise, the participants from River Road ranked their priorities similarly to the overall
responses.
Respondents from Santa Clara who live inside the UGB ranked their priorities similarly to the overall responses.
Respondents who live outside the UGB ranked their priorities differently and chose delivery of government
services as a top priority more frequently. However the sample size of residents who live outside the UGB was
much smaller and the range between the highest and lowest priorities was very narrow.
240 233 220 219
179 176
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Community
events and
gathering
spaces
Public safety Services to
those in need
Build a green
community
Delivery of
government
services
Build a resilient
communityTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesOverall Responses: Community
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 11
97
87
76 74 69 68
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Build a green
community
Community
events and
gathering
spaces
Public safety Services to
those in need
Build a
resilient
community
Delivery of
government
servicesTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesRiver Road Responses: Community
13
11 11 11 10 9
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Delivery of
government
services
Public safety Build a green
community
Services to
those in need
Build a
resilient
community
Community
events and
gathering
spacesTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesSanta Clara (Outside UGB) Responses: Community
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 12
Results: People with Disabilities
Participants with a disability ranked their Community priorities very differently than the majority response. In
particular, services to those in need ranked first among respondents with a disability but only ranked third in the
overall responses.
Results: Communities of Color
People of color were less likely to rank community events and gathering spaces as a top priority, even though it
was the most commonly chosen option in the overall responses. The option most commonly chosen by
communities of color was public safety, which was the second most chosen option in the overall responses.
29
21 20 19 18 17
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Services to
those in need
Build a
resilient
community
Build a green
community
Delivery of
government
services
Community
events and
gathering
spaces
Public safety
Times Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesPeople with Disabilities Responses: Community
32 31 29
24
19 18
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Public safety Build a green
community
Services to
those in need
Community
events and
gathering
spaces
Delivery of
government
services
Build a
resilient
communityTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesCommunities of Color Responses: Community
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 13
Results: Low Income
Low-income participants were less likely to choose community events and gathering spaces as a priority, even
though it was the top choice in the overall responses. Low-income participants were more likely to choose
building a resilient community as a priority than in the overall responses.
53 53 50
35 34
25
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Public safety Services to
those in need
Build a green
community
Build a
resilient
community
Community
events and
gathering
spaces
Delivery of
government
servicesTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesLow Income Responses: Community
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 14
Economic Development
Participants were asked the following economic development question:
Where people work and shop impacts how neighborhoods look, feel, and function. In all
scenarios, neighbors and businesses strive to contribute to neighborhood identity, build
community and take care of the environment. Here are a few ideas for the long-term future,
check which one you prefer.
Many respondents provided additional comments or created their own scenario instead of choosing one of the
scenarios provided. Below are key themes of the open-ended input:
Support local and small businesses
Businesses that build on skills in the area
Option ‘c’ is ideal but ‘b’ is realistic way to get there
Results: Neighborhood, Communities of Color, Disabilities
The economic development question was unique because respondents from both neighborhoods
answered nearly identically. Even residents of Santa Clara who live outside the UGB had responses
similar to the overall results. Participants who experience a disability or are from a community of color
also answered the Economic Development question similarly to the overall population.
12%
38%
50%
Overall Responses: Economic Development
A: Commute to work in other areas
and do most shopping in other areas
B: Commute to work in other areas
but do most shopping in the
neighborhood
C: Residents live, work, socialize, and
shop in the neighborhood
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 15
Results: Low Income
In general, low-income participants answered the Economic Development question similarly to the overall
population. However they were slightly less likely to choose Scenario B, commute to work but shop mostly in
the neighborhood, and more likely to choose Scenarios A, commute to work and shop outside of the
neighborhood, and C, residents live, work, socialize, and shop in the neighborhood.
17%
25%58%
Low Income Responses: Economic Development
A: Commute to work in other areas
and do most shopping in other areas
B: Commute to work in other areas
but do most shopping in the
neighborhood
C: Residents live, work, socialize, and
shop in the neighborhood
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 16
Parks and Natural Resources
Participants were asked the following Parks and Natural Resources questions:
If you had money to buy land for future initiatives, which of the following would be your top
3 priorities?
If you had money to pay for improvements to existing parks, recreation facilities, and
natural areas, which of the following would be your top 3 priorities?
281
274
205
179
146
98
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Small parks in all parts of the neighborhood
Expand greenway/bike path along river
Large community park
Natural areas and streams
Plaza or gathering spot
Trail connections to farmlands outside city
Times Chosen in Top 3 Priorities
Overall Responses: Parks and Natural Resources
221
181
171
145
118
117
70
0 50 100 150 200 250
Connectivity forbiking and walking
Recreation amenities
Small parks in all parts of the neighborhood
Trails and habitat restoration
Community center
River access
Plaza or gathering spot
Times Chosen in Top 3 Priorities
Overall Responses: Parks and Natural Resources
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 17
Results by Neighborhood
Residents of River Road and Santa Clara had the same top two priorities—expanding the greenway and putting
small parks in all parts of the neighborhoods. Building a large community park ranked higher for Santa Clara
respondents, which is consistent with feedback received during the first outreach phase in fall 2017. Residents
of Santa Clara who live inside and outside the UGB ranked their priorities the same so the chart below reflects
all those Santa Clara responses together.
120
109
71
60 55
40
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Expand
greenway/bike
path along
river
Small parks in
all parts of the
neighborhood
Natural areas
and streams
Plaza or
gathering spot
Large
community
park
Trail
connections to
farmlands
outside cityTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesRiver Road Responses: Parks and Natural Resources
118 112
92
71
52
39
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Expand
greenway/bike
path along
river
Small parks in
all parts of the
neighborhood
Large
community
park
Natural areas
and streams
Plaza or
gathering spot
Trail
connections to
farmlands
outside cityTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesSanta Clara Responses: Parks and Natural Resources
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 18
Results: People with Disabilities
The first question about Parks and Natural Resources asked respondents their priorities in buying land for new
parks. People with a disability ranked all six options in the same order as the overall responses.
The second question about Parks and Natural Resources asked about improvements to existing land and
facilities. People with a disability generally ranked their priorities the same as the overall responses, with the
one exception that trails and habitat restoration ranked slightly higher as a proportion of their overall responses
than did small parks in all parts of the neighborhoods.
27
22 22
19
17
13
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Connectivity
for walking
and biking
Recreation
amenities
Trails and
habitat
restoration
Small parks in
all parts of the
neighborhood
Community
center
River access Plaza or
gathering spotTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesPeople with Disabilities Responses: Improvements to Existing Parks
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 19
Results: Communities of Color
Small parks in all parts of the neighborhoods was the top priority in the overall responses but was the third most
chosen by communities of color. Expanding the greenway was chosen most often by communities of color, and
was the second-ranked option in the overall responses. Otherwise, communities of color ranked their priorities
in the same order as the overall responses.
For the second Parks and Natural Resources question, communities of color chose a community center more
often than it was chosen in the overall responses. Small parks in all parts of neighborhoods was chosen less
frequently than in the overall responses, where it was the third most chosen option.
33
29
25 22
15 15
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Expand
greenway/bike
path along
river
Large
community
park
Small parks in
all parts of the
neighborhood
Natural areas
and streams
Trail
connections to
farmlands
outside city
Plaza or
gathering spot
Times Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesCommunities of Color Responses:
Money to Buy Land for Future Parks
25
23 22 21
19 18
15
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Connectivity
for walking
and biking
Community
center
Trails and
habitat
restoration
Recreation
amenities
River access Small parks in
all parts of the
neighborhood
Plaza or
gathering spotTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesCommunities of Color Responses: Improvements to Existing Parks
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 20
Parks and Natural Resources
In general, low-income respondents answered the Parks and Natural Resources question the same as the
overall responses. The one difference was that trail connections ranked slightly higher than plaza or gathering
spot. However, the difference was too small to make any generalizations.
The only difference between responses from low-income participants and from the general community was
that low-income participants ranked small parks in all parts of the neighborhood as a priority most often.
Besides this, the order of priorities was the same as for the overall responses.
57
45
37 35
23 22
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Small parks in
all parts of the
neighborhood
Expand
greenway/bike
path along
river
Large
community
park
Natural areas
and streams
Trail
connections to
farmlands
outside city
Plaza or
gathering spot
Times Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesParks and Natural Resources Responses: Low Income
35
31 31 30
24 21
13
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Small parks in
all parts of
the
neighborhood
Connectivity
forbiking and
walking
Recreation
amenities
Trails and
habitat
restoration
Community
center
River access Plaza or
gathering
spotTimes Chosen in Top 3 PrioritiesParks and Natural Resources Responses: Low Income
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 21
Participant Demographics
An effort was made to collect input from a variety of perspectives within the community. For this reason, the
questionnaire included optional demographic questions, allowing the project team to measure its success in
reaching diverse communities. The majority of participants provided some demographic information, even if
they did not complete all of the questions in that section.
At the community events in June almost 95% of attendees filled out the demographic section, and most of those
people answered all or most of the questions. The online version of the questionnaire also had a high response
rate for demographic information, and everyone answered at least one of the demographic questions. The
targeted outreach events were different because the questionnaire was conducted verbally at some events, and
in these cases participants were not asked their demographic information in order to encourage more people to
participate. The nature of certain outreach events allowed staff to infer certain demographic information. For
example, outreach to residents at an affordable housing complex allowed the respondents to be categorized by
neighborhood and income level. Some participants offered their demographic information, especially if it
impacted their questionnaire responses. We were able to collect some demographic information for over 90%
of targeted outreach participants, though in most cases it was only the answer to one or two of the
demographic questions.
Results by Neighborhood
Residents who live outside the urban growth boundary (UGB) were invited to an outreach event at Awbrey Park
on August 1, 2018, where they filled out the questionnaire. In addition, 12 residents who live outside the UGB
took the online version of the questionnaire. Below are the results of our outreach by neighborhood.
River Road, 170,
46%
Santa Clara, 172,
47%
Santa Clara
(Outside UGB), 24,
7%
Neighborhood
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 22
Results: Communities of Color
The various outreach events increased the range of voices that were represented and brought in 25
questionnaire responses from people of color. The online version of the questionnaire received 19 responses
from people of color. Spanish language translation was also offered at many of the events and a total of 21
people took the questionnaire who identified as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin. Below are our outreach
results by race and ethnicity.
Results: Low-Income (Household Income below $35,000)
A number of outreach events were held to hear from low-income residents. Staff and volunteers surveyed
parents at the Howard Elementary School and Ross Lane Head Start programs. Surveys were also conducted at
Santa Clara Place, Ross Lane Apartments, and Green Leaf Village, which are all affordable housing complexes
run by St. Vincent de Paul or Cornerstone Community Housing. Surveys were also conducted during food
distribution hours at St. Matthew’s Church in Santa Clara. Below are our participation rates according to level
of income.
Less than $35,000,
101, 29%
$35,000-74,000,
124, 36%
$75,000+, 123,
35%
Household Income Before Taxes
White, 277, 82%
Communities of
Color, 61, 18%
Race and Ethnicity
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 23
Results: People with Disabilities
On July 31, 2018, a workshop targeted at participants with disabilities was held at Messiah Lutheran Church in
Santa Clara. Participants included individuals associated with Lane Transit District, the City of Eugene Active
Transportation Committee, and members of the Lane Independent Living Alliance. Participants filled out the
questionnaire and wrote location-specific feedback on maps. Follow up calls were made to individuals who
couldn’t attend and a project member helped them complete the survey. The chart below shows the total
number of people with disabilities we heard from during this outreach process.
Results: Other Demographic Indicators
In addition to the above, we collected other demographic information that would help us determine the
extent to which we were reaching a broad cross section of the community. The charts below represent those
indicators.
Yes, 47, 13%
No, 304, 87%
Do You Experience a Disability?
129, 36%
222, 63%
3, 1%
Gender
Male
Female
Other Gender Identity
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 24
82, 23%
268, 77%
Do Children or Teens Live in the Household?
With Children/Teens
No Children/Teens
51, 14%
11, 3%
49, 13%40-59, 72
190, 51%
Age
17 and under
18-24
25-39
40-59
60+
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 25
Conclusion
As the results of the outreach illustrate, there are a range of perspectives within the two neighborhoods. All
topic area questions, with the exception of the Economic Development question, had at least a one sub-group
with answers that differed from the majority. This highlights the need to consider the unique needs of all
groups when crafting policies and actions and think about how the neighborhood plan can advance equity in
the neighborhoods.
Next Steps
The project is now in the policy development phase. The next large
community event will be in January 2019, where the public will have a
chance to provide their input on the draft goals and policies that the
Community Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, and
working groups will have written and refined. The policy development
phase will continually refer back to the results of public outreach to
make sure we create a neighborhood plan that aligns with the
identified neighborhood priorities.
Policy development will be followed by an action planning phase
starting in February. This phase will look different under each of the
topic areas and will depend on the goals and policies that emerge from
the current phase of the project, but it will include identifying the
things we can do to implement the neighborhood vision, timelines, and
responsible parties.
Later in 2019 we will begin the adoption process with Lane County and
the City of Eugene.
Community input is welcomed at any point in the process, and there
are multiple ways to engage. View the project webpage or contact staff
(CEPDDRRSCPlan@ci.eugene.or.us) to learn more or to get involved.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Land Use
Land use in River Road and Santa Clara supports neighborhood character and local identity,
including our long-standing agricultural heritage and high value soils. Our neighborhoods are
walkable, with a range of housing types affordable to all residents. Abundant shops, services
and community spaces are served by a variety of transportation options. Strategic development
and revitalization in more urban locations, especially the River Road corridor, help maintain
neighborhood character while meeting our housing and economic needs in a way that is
environmentally responsible. Development is well designed, sustainable, and compatible with
existing surroundings. Adjacent to the Willamette River greenway, development improves
safety, enhances access, and respects ecological functions.
Transportation
The integrated transportation system in River Road and Santa Clara is safe, efficient, and
accessible for people of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic levels who choose to bike, walk,
drive, or use public transit. This system supports redevelopment, economic opportunity and
affordable, convenient access to daily needs. The design of the transportation system enhances
the sense of place and serves the evolving needs of the community. Our transportation system
is environmentally responsible and supports low carbon transportation options.
Community
The River Road and Santa Clara Neighborhoods exude a strong sense of place. They are
welcoming and inclusive neighborhoods for people of all backgrounds. River Road and Santa
Clara celebrate and nurture community unity and diverse cultures, while honoring the rich
history of farming in the neighborhoods. The community recognizes the value of natural assets,
such as the River, and thriving shared spaces, such as parks, schools and local businesses. Our
neighborhoods are safe, resilient, and engaged, with strong social networks and reliable public
services.
Economic Development
The River Road and Santa Clara communities support sustainable economic development, a
variety of employment opportunities for all residents, and local entrepreneurship. Economic
activity, especially that of local businesses, contributes to a shared neighborhood identity, while
providing places to gather and build community. Natural assets, such as the river and fertile
soils, benefit local residents and support thriving businesses. Residents can safely access
essential goods and services within a short distance from home.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Parks & Natural Resources
River Road and Santa Clara celebrate a rich diversity of private and shared green spaces,
including parks for recreation, natural areas that support native plants and wildlife, and
farmland for food production. All residents have a clean, safe, accessible and well maintained
park or recreation facility close to their home. Residents have access to the Willamette River,
which is celebrated as a natural asset, a defining characteristic of both neighborhoods, and a
statewide resource to be protected for future generations. Natural assets, such as the tre e
canopy, soils and the watershed, are highly valued and cared for as natural infrastructure that
enhances ecosystem health, provides opportunities for recreation, and supports the working
landscape.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
1. Improve the neighborhood economy and empower local residents by encouraging the
growth and creation of local businesses.
2. Promote redevelopment that enhances the character of our neighborhood while increasing
access to daily needs.
3. Promote living wage employment and business ownership opportunities within the
neighborhood.
4. Promote connected and efficient multi-modal transportation options that support economic
opportunities within River Road and Santa Clara.
5. Improve and promote a transportation system that is affordable, environmentally
responsible and transitions to zero carbon.
6. Promote safe, accessible and efficient transportation for all.
7. Ensure that natural areas are healthy, thriving spaces with habitat for native species and
provide natural infrastructure.
8. Provide neighborhood access to recreational opportunities, parks, and community centers.
9. Ensure the Willamette River is a vital and accessible part of the neighborhoods.
10. Preserve agricultural land and open spaces within and around our neighborhood
boundaries.
11. Support development that is well designed, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
12. Ensure that future housing addresses the needs of our community.
13. Support a thriving, vibrant and active mixed neighborhood centers along the River Road
corridor.
14. Promote land use and development that protects and enhances neighborhood character.
15. Ensure our community is welcoming and inclusive.
16. Foster collaborative relationships to build a stronger and more resilient community.
17. Empower citizens to jointly create a strong sense of community.
18. Provide public services appropriate to the needs of the community.
19. Increase resilience in local food, water, and disaster preparedness systems necessary for
human health and wellbeing.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Community Event #2
06.06.18, 5:30-8:00 pm
Location: North Eugene HS Cafeteria, 200 Silver Lane
AGENDA
5:30-6:00 Open House
• Music, food, visiting, background maps
• Visit visions statements and images, provide your feedback
6:00 -6:25 Large Group Presentation
• Welcome – Kate Perle and Jon Belcher, Community Advisory Committee Co-
Chairs
• What are we doing tonight? – Zach Galloway, City Project Manager
• Musical chairs
6:25–7:40 Small Group Activity
• Group discussions about the challenging issues identified in the Vision
7:40 – 8:00 Large Group Conversation
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
OPTIONAL: This information will help insure the project gathers input from a range of people. These
categories are used so the project can compare survey results to Census data.
1. Where do you live?
River Road
Santa Clara
Rural Santa Clara (outside UGB)
Other: _____________
2. What is your age?
17 and under
18 – 24
25 – 39
40 – 59
60 and over
3. How many people live or stay in your
home?
1
2
3
4+
4. Do children or teenagers (17 and under) live
in your household?
Yes
No
5. What is your gender?
Male
Female
Another gender identity
6. Do you experience a disability?
Yes
No
7. Do you have access to an automobile?
Yes
No
Yes, but not on a regular basis
8. Select all races/ethnicities you identify with:
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
Middle Eastern or North African
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific
Islander
White
Another race/ethnicity
Please list any other race(s) or
ethnicity(ies) here:
9. Please estimate your total household
income for 2017 before taxes.
Less than $35,000
$35,000-$74,000
$75,000 +
I don’t know
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Small Group Questionnaire
Please complete this questionnaire in your small group and turn it in before you leave tonight. Each
table will explore a challenging issue related to one of the 5 topic areas – Transportation, Land Use,
Community, Economic Development, and Parks & Natural Resources.
I. LAND USE
Q1. In the next 20 years, approximately 40,000 people will be moving to Eugene. Although it is difficult
to predict the real estate market, the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods could absorb more
than 4,000 of those new residents. How are we going to provide housing for the people who are
anticipated to move into River Road and Santa Clara over the next 20 years? Neighbors value both
agricultural land and affordable housing. The following scenarios address these values by increasing
density in the urban area, also known as the urban growth boundary.
Read the scenarios below and check () the option you prefer.
a. DISPERSED throughout the neighborhoods, development will continue to occur based on existing
development standards, which allow higher densities than what was built in the past.
• Continue existing pattern of Denser Housing Types throughout RR-SC (note: existing
regulations allow for 14 homes per acre)
• Continue Multi-Story Apartments along River Road
• Maintain Single Family Houses and Backyard Cottages throughout the River Road and Santa
Clara neighborhoods (RR-SC)
b. Concentrated ALONG RIVER ROAD. Multi-story Apartments, as well as buildings with residential
and businesses mixed together, are concentrated along River Road at major intersections with
access to businesses and transit service.
• Reduce Denser Housing Types throughout RR-SC
• Increase Multi-Story Apartments along River Road
• Maintain Single Family Houses and Backyard Cottages throughout RR-SC
c. Concentrated ALONG MAJOR STREETS. New housing is provided in strategic locations, along
major streets or adjacent to existing businesses.
• Increase Denser Housing Types along major streets
• Reduce Multi-Story Apartments and increase smaller 4-unit apartment buildings along major
streets
• Maintain Single Family Houses and Backyard Cottages throughout RR-SC
d. None of the above. My preferred scenario is on the back.
Comments:
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
a. Dispersed through the
neighborhoods
c. Concentrated along
major streets
b. Concentrated along
River Road
Denser Housing Types
· Cottage Cluster
· Rowhouse/Townhouse
· Duplex/Triplex
Single Family House with Backyard
Cottage
Multi-Story Apartment
Land Use Descriptions
Land Use Scenarios
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
II. TRANSPORTATION
Streets in River Road and Santa Clara have evolved over time from country lanes to what they are today.
A mixture of old and new streets create gaps in sidewalks, a significant safety concern for both young
and old. Review the street designs below, and choose the designs that you think would best serve River
Road and Santa Clara in the future.
Q2. As our neighborhoods grow, how should the streets evolve to improve safety, assist people that
are walking and biking, and better connect our neighborhoods?
Check () as many boxes as you want and tell us why.
a. Maintain the existing neighborhood
streets as they are currently designed,
with many having no sidewalks.
b. Maintain existing streets, and when
improvements are necessary, streets have
open swales for natural drainage, sidewalk
on one side, street trees, and wider areas
provided occasionally for parking (“parking
bays”).
c. Maintain existing streets, and when
improvements are necessary, provide
sidewalks on both sides, curb & gutter,
on-street parking, street trees, bicycle
lanes on busy streets, and piped
stormwater.
d. None of the above. My preferred street design solution is below or on the back.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
III. COMMUNITY
Q3a: Community means lots of different things to different people. How will neighborhood
organizations decide where to concentrate valuable volunteer energy or other resources?
Review the list of issues below, and rank your top three, using 1 as top priority.
a. Focus on increasing the number and diversity of community events and gathering spaces,
including collaborations between the area schools, parks, and the neighborhood, outdoor concerts,
festivals, theater, and art-based activities.
b. Focus on improving and expanding services to community members in need, including low-
income seniors, un-housed residents, and ways to address issues related to homelessness.
c. Increase public safety, for example: more patrols, better security in commercial areas, more
neighborhood watch groups, better lighting, and safer streets.
d. Focus on activities that build a green community where neighbors promote and support
gardening, plant trees, and maintain a verdant landscape.
e. Focus on activities that build a resilient community where neighbors focus on preparing for and
responding to emergencies and take care of basic needs such as food, energy, water and culture at
home and nearby.
f. Focus on solving the challenge of delivering government services to the neighborhood, including
police, fire, water, and recreation. Discuss and address challenges of patchwork annexation.
g. None of these reflect my community priorities. Here is my top priority:
Q3b: Neighborhood leaders have worked on a draft vision for the neighborhoods. How will
that vision be achieved? Read the 3 scenarios below and check () the option you prefer.
a. I am satisfied with how things are now in the neighborhood.
b. I would like to see a minor increase in community building and neighborhood involvement,
building a larger network to support the neighborhood.
c. I will work with others to create a significant increase in community building to create a much
larger, diverse, and engaged network of area organizations and activities.
d. None of the above work for me. My preferred scenario is on the back.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Q4. Where people work and shop impacts how neighborhoods look, feel, and function. In all scenarios,
neighbors and businesses strive to contribute to neighborhood identity, build community and take care
of the environment.
Here are a few ideas for the long-term future, check () the one you prefer.
a. Most residents live in RR-SC, commute to work in other areas, and also do most of their
shopping in other areas of town. Neighbors support and enhance existing area businesses. Some
businesses expand to attract customers from other areas of town to the RR-SC area. (This reflects
what happens today.)
b. Most residents live in RR-SC, commute to work in other areas, but do more of their shopping in
the neighborhood. The neighborhoods increase shopping choices in the neighborhood by
supporting existing and new businesses. There are more services closer to residential areas with
both the benefits and effects of living near businesses.
c. Most Residents live, work, socialize and shop in the RR-SC area. Neighborhood businesses meet
residents’ shopping needs, and RR-SC home-based businesses and cottage/light industry create
living-wage jobs for neighbors. The business community is vibrant, sustained by the local
community, and potentially becomes a destination because of that success.
d. None of the above work for me. My preferred scenario is on the back.
a. b. c.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
V. PARKS + NATURAL RESOURCES
People in River Road and Santa Clara value green space and want to see it protected, enhanced and
expanded to varying degrees. Use the map to familiarize yourself with the two communities and the
existing parks, recreation, and natural areas. How would you like to see resources (money and labor)
spent?
Q5a: If you had money to buy land for future initiatives, which of the following would be your top 3
priorities? (Use 1 as top priority)
a. A plaza or gathering spot in an otherwise commercial area
b. Small parks in all parts of the neighborhoods so that everyone has a neighborhood park site close
to their home
c. Additional land for a large community park (athletic fields, pool, community center, etc.)
d. Additional land along the river to expand the greenway/ bike path
e. Trail connections to farmlands beyond the city limits
f. Lands around local streams, natural drainages, stormwater conveyances, and other natural areas.
Q5b: If you had money to pay for improvements to existing parks, recreation facilities, and natural
areas, which of the following would be your top 3 priorities? (Use 1 as top priority)
a. A plaza or gathering spot in an otherwise commercial area
b. Small parks in all parts of the neighborhoods so that everyone has a developed neighborhood
park close to their house
c. Recreation amenities such as community gardens, large playground, dog park, athletic fields and
courts in a larger community park
d. A community center and/or a Pool facility
e. Trails and habitat restoration in natural areas
f. Improved connectivity for biking and walking
g. River access
h. None of the above work for me. My ideas for parks and natural resources in my neighborhood
are on the back.
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
Write or draw. Share your preferred scenario or alternate ideas!
November 19, 2018, Work Session – Item 2
May 15, 2019, Work Session – Item 3
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Work Session: River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Project Update Meeting Date: May 15, 2019 Agenda Item Number: 3 Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Eric Brown and Terri Harding
www.eugene-or.gov Telephone Number: 541-682-5208 and 541-682-5635
ISSUE STATEMENT The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations, City and County staff, consultants and neighborhood volunteers have been working together since the spring of 2017 to write a neighborhood plan for the River Road and Santa Clara Neighborhoods. The plan will focus on five topic areas—Land Use, Transportation, Economic Development, Parks and Natural Resources, and Community. This work session will focus on the results from the Policy Development phase. Staff is requesting City Council feedback on the draft goals and policies included in Attachment A. Council is asked to approve the draft goals and policies as a platform for moving into the Action Planning phase. A complete plan with goals, policies and actions will be brought to Council for a formal adoption process in late fall.
BACKGROUND The neighborhood planning project is divided into key phases, with frequent opportunities for Council to learn about the project along the way. The Reaching Out, Visioning and Neighborhood
Priorities phases of the project were completed between October 2017 and August 2018. Council received updates from these phases in March and November 2018. Starting in fall 2018, the Policy
Development phase has been led by Community Advisory Committee members and working group members, with support from project staff and a Technical Advisory Committee.
Project Phases
Reaching Out Neighborhood
Visioning
Neighborhood
Priorities
Policy
Development
Action
Planning Adoption
May 15, 2019, Work Session – Item 3
Since fall 2018, the Policy Development phase has focused on developing policies that relate to the vision and neighborhood priorities. The draft policies are organized under 18 high-level goals, which were written by the CAC and vetted by the topic area working groups. Each draft goal has a CAC member who is the lead for convening working group members to edit the draft goal and the policies that support it.
Vetting and Technical Review On December 5, 2018, the full set of draft goals and policies was presented to working group members and TAC members at the ‘Policy Round-Up.’ Attendees were asked to identify themes, gaps and recommended edits. This feedback was incorporated into a January draft of the policies that is available on the project website. In January 2019, the TAC further reviewed and provided feedback on the draft policies.
TBL Sounding Board Review On February 6, 2019, a Triple Bottom Line Sounding Board met to evaluate the draft goals and policies through the lenses of economic, environmental and social sustainability. This TBL Sounding Board is composed of representatives from seven different City boards and commissions, including the Human Rights Commission, Planning Commission, Sustainability Commission, Budget Committee, Neighborhood Leaders Council, and Active Transportation Committee as well as the Lane County Planning Commission. TBL Sounding Board participants applied a city-wide perspective in reviewing the draft goals and policies and discussed potential trade-offs and implications in order to maximize community-wide benefits. Their input was provided to CAC members who incorporated it as they edited the draft goals and policies. This was the first meeting of the TBL Sounding Board, and the group will reconvene later in the project to review additional work through the TBL framework.
Planning Commission Review In March, the Eugene and Lane County Planning Commissions received project updates that included an opportunity to comment on the draft policies. Commissioners encouraged the project team to think about how policies could be implemented, and what key sticking points might face opposition later. The team is continuing to incorporate technical, TBL, and Commissioner feedback into the project as we transition the policy work into actions that will have real impacts on the ground.
Community Events On April 7 and 10, 2019, Community Event #3 – Planning in Action was an opportunity to make sure the draft policies accurately reflect what we have heard from neighbors as well as property and business owners and brainstorm more actions to make the neighborhood vision a reality. This marked the transition from policy writing to action planning. The community events were led and facilitated by CAC members with support from City and County staff and a variety of community partners. Over 200 neighbors attended the two events. Feedback was generally supportive of the direction the plan is heading, with an eye toward moving into the Action Planning phase. The project team is in the process of collating and distributing this feedback to the community groups working on each goal.
May 15, 2019, Work Session – Item 3
River Road Corridor Study As part of the ongoing neighborhood planning process, an in-depth analysis of the River Road corridor is underway. The River Road Corridor Study includes stakeholder interviews, public workshops, economic and demographic research, and conceptual design work. The results of the study will include proposed land use code amendments along the corridor as well as other recommendations to support implementation of the neighborhood vision along River Road, up to the location of the planned River Road Community Transit Center at Hunsaker Lane. The first workshop for the River Road Corridor Study was held in February 2019 and included three open houses, dedicated business outreach, meetings with the CAC and TAC, and an online survey for those who were not able to attend the open houses. Community members were invited to create a range of concepts, exploring housing and commercial building types, transitions between zones, and safe walking routes to transit stops and neighborhood destinations. These concepts will be used by the team to explore different methods of implementing the policies that come out of the Neighborhood Plan. A report summarizing the results from this outreach is available on the project website. A second workshop is planned for early June where community members will be invited to help refine a preferred land use concept and develop the implementation strategies to make it a reality. The project team will work with the Community Advisory Committee to refine the preferred concept and create land use code concepts for the corridor and potential neighborhood centers. Code concepts will be brought to the City Council for feedback and direction in the fall, before moving into a formal adoption process.
Next Steps This spring, CAC members will refine the draft policies based on the feedback provided by neighbors at the April community events as well as input received from City Council, the County Board of Commissioners, and the City of Eugene and Lane County Planning Commissions. The project will transition fully into the Action Planning phase, where the list of action items to implement the draft policies will be evaluated and prioritized. Reviewing the action items will be a collaborative process among the CAC, working group members, and City and County staff. The
Action Planning phase will culminate with another large community event to solicit broad community input before moving into the Adoption phase in Fall 2019.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL DIRECTION On April 26, 2017, City Council passed a motion to initiate the River Road-Santa Clara neighborhood plan.
COUNCIL OPTIONS Staff is requesting City Council feedback on the draft goals and policies included in Attachment A. Council is asked to approve the draft goals and policies as a platform for moving into the Action
Planning phase. A complete plan with goals, policies and actions will be brought to council for a formal adoption process in late fall. The process includes work sessions, public hearings and deliberation meetings with both the Eugene and Lane County Planning Commissions, Eugene City Council and Board of County Commissioners.
May 15, 2019, Work Session – Item 3
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends City Council direct staff to begin the Action Planning phase of the project based on the draft goals and policies in Attachment A.
SUGGESTED MOTION Move to direct staff to begin the Action Planning phase of the project based on the draft goals and policies in Attachment A.
ATTACHMENTS A. Draft Goals and Policies, April 2019 Version
FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Terri Harding Telephone: 541-682-5635 Staff E-Mail: THarding@eugene-or.gov
April 2019
Draft vision statements,
goals and policies
ATTACHMENT A
May 15, 2019, Work Session - Item 3
Table of Contents
Economic Development
Goal 1: Improve the neighborhood economy and empower local residents by encouraging
the growth and creation of local businesses.
2
Goal 2: Promote redevelopment that enhances the character of our neighborhood while
increasing access to daily needs.
2
Goal 3: Promote living wage employment opportunities within the neighborhood 2
Transportation
Goal 4: Promote a connected and efficient multi-modal transportation system that is
equitable and affordable
3
Goal 5: Plan for a transportation system that is future oriented, environmentally responsible
and transitions to zero carbon
3
Goal 6: Ensure a safe transportation system for all users 3
Parks and Natural Resources
Goal 7: Ensure that natural areas are healthy, thriving spaces that provide habitat for native
species and function as natural infrastructure.
4
Goal 8: Provide neighborhood access to recreational opportunities, parks, and community
centers.
4
Goal 9: Ensure the Willamette River is a vital and accessible part of the neighborhoods. 4
Goal 10: Preserve agricultural land and open spaces within and around our neighborhood
boundaries
4
Land Use
Goal 11 Support development that is well designed and economically, socially and
environmentally sustainable.
5
Goal 12 Ensure future housing addresses the needs of the community 5
Goal 13 Support a thriving, vibrant and active River Road corridor 6
Goal 14 Promote land use and development that protects and enhances neighborhood
character
6
Community
Goal 15 Ensure our community is welcoming and inclusive. 6
Goal 16 Foster collaborative relationships to build a stronger and more resilient community. 6
Goal 17 Provide comprehensive public services responsive to the needs of the community 7
Goal 18 Increase resilience in local food, water, and disaster preparedness systems
necessary for human health and wellbeing.
7
May 15, 2019, Work Session - Item 3
Economic Development Vision Statement
The River Road and Santa Clara communities support sustainable economic development,
a variety of employment opportunities for all residents, and local entrepreneurship.
Economic activity, especially that of local businesses, contributes to a shared
neighborhood identity, while providing places to gather and build community. Natural
assets, such as the river and fertile soils, benefit local residents and support thriving
businesses. Residents can safely access essential goods and services within a short
distance from home.
Goal 1: Improve the neighborhood economy and empower local residents by encouraging the
growth and creation of local businesses.
1.1 Incentives for Local Businesses: Develop incentive programs to support growth and creation of
neighborhood businesses.
1.2 Diversity of Size and Type: Strive for diversity of size and type of businesses and employment
1.3 Neighborhood Assets: Base local economic development on neighborhood assets
1.4 Patronage of Locally Owned Businesses: Encourage patronage of locally owned businesses
1.5 E-commerce and Technology: Foster entrepreneurship and support start-up companies, particularly in the e-
commerce and technology sectors
1.6 Regulatory Environment: Ensure regulatory environment is supportive of economic development in line with
neighborhood vision
Goal 2: Promote redevelopment that enhances the character of our neighborhood while
increasing access to daily needs.
2.1 Vibrancy: Incentivize and support redevelopment that fosters vibrancy
2.2 Small Business Development: Promote small business development that supports vibrant mixed use areas
2.3 Encourage development of businesses that contribute to environmental sustainability
Goal 3: Promote living wage employment opportunities within the neighborhood
3.1 Residential Employment: Encourage business growth in residential locations that complements the Rezone
properties for neighborhood commercial as appropriate
3.2 Employment Opportunities: Promote the creation of employment opportunities
May 15, 2019, Work Session - Item 3
Transportation Vision Statement
The integrated transportation system in River Road and Santa Clara is safe, efficient, and
accessible for people of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic levels who choose to bike,
walk, drive, or use public transit. This system supports redevelopment, economic
opportunity and affordable, convenient access to daily needs. The design of the
transportation system enhances the sense of place and responds to the evolving needs of
the community. Our transportation system is environmentally responsible and supports
low carbon transportation options.
Goal 4: Promote a connected and efficient multi-modal transportation system that is equitable
and affordable
4.1 Equity in Access: Increase equity and affordability in access to transportation.
4.2 Regional transportation network: Provide convenient and equitable access to a regional pedestrian, bicycle,
transit and private vehicle network throughout the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods.
4.3 Bus Rapid Transit: Support affordable bus rapid transit from the River Road corridor to the rest of Eugene.
4.4 Bicycle Access to Eugene: Create a seamless and safe bicycle infrastructure system that connects RR and SC
to the rest of Eugene.
4.5 Active Transportation to Commercial Centers: Develop active transportation networks that connect
neighborhoods to their adjacent commercial areas, schools and community gathering spaces.
4.6 Northwest Expressway: Increase use of Northwest Expressway for through traffic.
4.7 Seamless Connections: Support integration of the transportation system for users switching between modes
Goal 5: Plan for a transportation system that is future oriented, environmentally responsible and
transitions to zero carbon
5.1 Zero Carbon: Transition transportation system toward zero carbon
5.2 Education and Youth Engagement: Educate current and future users of the transportation system about
active modes and transit
5.3 Future Transportation needs: Ensure transportation system responds to the long term transportation needs
for the River Road/Santa Clara area.
5.4 Future Parking needs: Provide parking consistent with the needs of future vehicles and future
developments.
Goal 6: Ensure a safe transportation system for all users
6.1 Travel to and from schools: Ensure the safety of students traveling to and from schools.
6.2 Collectors and local streets: Promote safe access for all users along collectors and local streets.
6.3 Major and minor corridors: Ensure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists along major and minor corridors.
6.4 Active Transportation on High Traffic Roads: In addition to safe vehicle options, develop safe and efficient
active transportation options on high traffic roadways (River Rd., Irving, NW Expressway, Maxwell, etc.)
6.5 Riverfront Paths: Implement safety measures along riverfront bicycle/pedestrian paths.
6.6 Traffic Management: Ensure traffic regulations support safety objectives and ensure the regulations are
enforced.
May 15, 2019, Work Session - Item 3
Parks and Natural Resources Vision Statement
River Road and Santa Clara celebrate a rich diversity of private and shared green spaces,
including parks for recreation, natural areas that support native plants and wildlife, and
farmland for food production. All residents have a clean, safe, accessible and well
maintained park or recreation facility close to their home. Residents have access to the
Willamette River, which is celebrated as a natural asset, a defining characteristic of both
neighborhoods, and a statewide resource to be protected for future generations. Natural
assets, such as the tree canopy, soils and the watershed, are highly valued and cared for
as natural infrastructure that enhances ecosystem health, provides opportunities for
recreation, and supports the working landscape.
Goal 7: Ensure that natural areas are healthy, thriving spaces that provide habitat for native
species and function as natural infrastructure.
7.1 Stormwater Conveyances: Enhance natural stormwater conveyances, including lesser waterways not
protected by Goal 5 regulations, to reduce pollution, increase infiltration, protect against flooding and improve
habitat.
7.2 Education: Educate the public about the interconnectedness of function and safety in natural stormwater
system
7.3 Habitat Corridors: Create new and enhance existing habitat corridors throughout River Road and Santa Clara
7.4 Public Natural Areas: Provide natural areas, including the Willamette River Greenway, accessible to all
residents
7.5 Tree canopy: Promote, conserve, protect and improve our urban forest, while flexibly accommodating a
diverse range of land ownerships, uses and activities.
Goal 8: Provide neighborhood access to recreational opportunities, parks, and community
centers.
8.1 Access to Parks: Ensure all residents have access to parks or publicly owned open space within 1/2-mile
walking distance.
8.2 Connectivity: Improve connectivity between parks, natural areas and public open spaces.
8.3 Recreational Opportunities and Community Centers: Enhance equitable access to safe and well-maintained
recreational opportunities and community centers
Goal 9: Ensure the Willamette River is a vital and accessible part of the neighborhoods.
9.1 Willamette Greenway Preservation: Preserve the Willamette Greenway in the plan area
9.2 Safe and Convenient Access: Provide safe and convenient access to the riverbank park system for
pedestrians and bicyclists.
9.3 Public Ownership: Promote public ownership of lands adjacent to the Willamette River
9.4 Recreational Uses: Promote recreational uses along the river’s edge
Goal 10: Preserve agricultural land and open spaces within and around our neighborhood
boundaries
10.1 Agricultural Land Preservation outside the UGB: Preserve high value farmland outside the UGB exclusively
for farm use
10.2 Open Space Preservation: Promote a network of publicly and privately owned open space
10.3 Agricultural enterprises within the UGB: promote agricultural enterprises within the UGB
May 15, 2019, Work Session - Item 3
Land Use Vision Statement
Land use in River Road and Santa Clara supports neighborhood character and local
identity, including our long standing agricultural heritage and high value soils. Our
neighborhoods are walkable, with a range of housing types affordable to all residents.
Abundant shops, services and community spaces are served by a variety of transportation
options. Strategic development and revitalization in more urban locations, especially the
River Road corridor, helps maintain neighborhood character while meeting our housing
and economic needs in a way that is environmentally responsible. Development is well
designed, sustainable, and compatible with existing surroundings. Adjacent to the
Willamette River greenway, development improves safety, enhances access, and respects
ecological functions.
Goal 11 Support development that is well designed and economically, socially and
environmentally sustainable.
11.1Effective Public Process: Encourage effective collaboration between developers and neighbors to
accommodate desirable growth.
11.2 Well Designed Built Environment: Ensure that building design, size, scale and site layout provide a desirable
transition between different uses and scales and contribute positively to the public realm.
11.3 Well Designed Community Space: Use well-designed community space (public and private) to support the
goals and policies of the neighborhood plan and other applicable City and State-wide goals.
11.4 Green and Resilient Properties: Encourage actions on residential, commercial, and public properties that
enhance food and energy production, water storage and conservation, and social interaction on site. Examples:
•Edible Landscaping
•Grass to garden
•Storm water management
o Rain water catchment
o Swales
•De-pave excess impermeable surfaces
•Remodel garage into living space
•Retrofit appropriate residential and business locations for passive solar retrofits.
Goal 12 Ensure future housing addresses the needs of the community
12. 1 Compatible Infill: Allow for residential infill development at compatible scales using a variety of housing
types at appropriate densities and scales to fit neighborhood demand.
12.2 Affordable Availability: Ensure that Affordable Housing, as well as, low and moderate income housing is
available and dispersed throughout the River Road/Santa Clara neighborhoods.
12.3 Support agricultural worker housing on parcels outside the UGB and inside the neighborhood boundaries.
12.4 Facilitate collaborative planning efforts between the neighborhoods, city, and county to promote
innovative housing strategies
May 15, 2019, Work Session - Item 3
Goal 13 Support a thriving, vibrant and active River Road corridor
13.1 Key Areas for Development: Support development and redevelopment that contributes to a thriving,
vibrant and active River Road corridor.
13.2 20-minute neighborhoods: Support walkable neighborhoods where people can meet most of their daily
needs within a 20-minute walk
Goal 14 Promote land use and development that protects and enhances neighborhood
character
14.1 Privacy Transitions: Promote new development to be designed to maximize privacy between adjacent
properties
14.2 Neighborhood Livability: Retain and enhance neighborhood livability.
14.3 Willamette River Compatibility: Create clear and objective code to better implement the Willamette
Greenway state and local policies.
Community Vision Statement
The River Road and Santa Clara Neighborhoods exude a strong sense of place. They are
welcoming and inclusive neighborhoods for people of all backgrounds. River Road and
Santa Clara celebrate and nurture community unity and diverse cultures, while honoring
the rich history of farming in the neighborhoods. The community recognizes the value of
natural assets, such as the River, and thriving shared spaces, such as parks, schools and
local businesses. Our neighborhoods are safe, resilient, and engaged, with strong social
networks and reliable public services.
Goal 15 Ensure our community is welcoming and inclusive.
15.1 Welcoming and Inclusive Community Organizations: Promote a welcoming environment and inclusive
approach in the work of the Community Organizations.
15.2 Representative Community Organizations: Increase the opportunities for under-represented residents to
participate in community activities, including people with disabilities, non-English speakers, communities of
color, youth, low-income residents, seniors, and families.
15.3 The Unhoused Community: Advocate for housing, and provide information to community members about
housing services and social opportunities for people without stable housing
Goal 16 Foster collaborative relationships to build a stronger and more resilient community.
16.1 Community Outreach Capacity: Enhance RRCO and SCCO communication and outreach capabilities to reach
the entire neighborhood.
16.2 Collaborate with city and county in focusing outreach with the mission of building community
interconnectedness, motivating economic development and promoting neighborhood values
16.3 Gathering and Learning Spaces: Ensure access to open community gathering, sharing, and learning spaces
for all residents.
16.4 Neighborhood Projects: Build and maintain resident engagement in safety through neighborhood projects
16.5 Walkable Neighborhoods: Incentivize neighborhood development that allows residents to meet their daily
needs by foot
16.6 Resilience Networks: Provide additional support for neighbors to build small scale resilience networks
May 15, 2019, Work Session - Item 3
Goal 17 Provide comprehensive public services responsive to the needs of the community
17.1 Address present confusion about service providers: Assure River Road and Santa Clara residents are
educated about current services providers so there is clarity about which agencies provide their services and
how to communicate with them.
17.2 Essential public services (safety, water, fire): Ensure equitable provision of essential public services if
amalgamation and/or transition of service providers is considered.
17.3 Community resources: Provide park and recreation services as well as library service to River Road and
Santa Clara. Encourage and facilitate cultural services that enrich the community.
Goal 18 Increase resilience in local food, water, and disaster preparedness systems necessary
for human health and wellbeing.
18.1 Green Infrastructure: Promote the creation of green infrastructure
18.2 Resilient Infrastructure: Build redundancy into critical infrastructure
18.3 Food Production: Increase home and neighborhood food production
18.4 Renewable Resources and Energy: Promote renewable resources and energy conservation to decrease
reliance on public utility grid
18.5 Neighborhood-wide Emergency Preparedness: Educate and prepare for natural disasters.
May 15, 2019, Work Session - Item 3