Category: SHiNA News

From the Editor

This coming week is an important one for our community. There will be a multi-neighborhood meeting regarding the “South Willamette Special Area Zone Plan.” Please read below under Land-use for more details and links where you can get more information. This is something we should all take a moment to become better informed about.

Also, under the “From the City” section of this newsletter you will find a link to the Eugene Parks and Recreation System Plan and Recreation Facilities Survey. This survey ends today, so act now!

Regards,
Eldon Fox
Corresponding Secretary, SHiNA

Board News

The SHiNA Chair, Juan Carlos, would like to welcome three new members to the board; Vic Hariton, Wendy MacLean, and Kristen Murphy. It is exciting to have more neighbors coming forward to help in the efforts to bring the neighborhood together and foster a sense of community. The board meets once a month on the second Thursday from 6 to 7:30 PM at the Market of Choice on 29th. If you have an interest in joining the board, have an issue you would like to discuss, or are curious and would like to listen in, please come and join us, we would love to meet you! Continue reading “SHiNA News for September 12, 2015” →

From the Editor

As the new editor of the SHiNA newsletter, I’d like to start by expressing the board’s gratitude for David Kolb’s service to the neighborhood and to wish him the very best. He has made the transition of duties a clean and painless process, for which I am very thankful!

Expect to receive a newsletter every other week (or so) as I get a grasp on the process and work on other areas of communication. The Association website will be changing in the next few months as I work to consolidate and make improvements.

Please feel free to contact me at newsshina@gmail.com with information regarding local events or news that you believe your fellow readers would appreciate knowing about as well as to open general communications with the board. You are welcome, and encouraged, to communicate directly with any active board member whose contact information is available on the SHiNA website (swhillseugene.com/wp/board). Continue reading “SHiNA News for August 30, 2015” →

From the editor

Our picnic was a great success, with well over 100 attendees, people meeting other neighbors, spirited entertainment and a great atmosphere. The energy showed what can happen when our neighbors get together for socializing, for fun, or to face issues together.

Social events

We would like to spread the spirit from the picnic. If you are interested in holding a block party for your immediate neighbors, or in helping SHiNA coordinate multiple block parties, let us know. We can provide some advice and suggestions about parties and obtaining help from the city.

Emergency preparedness

If you were at the picnic you will remember seeing the display set up by the Oregon Department of Forestry, and their advice about preparing for wildfires in our area. Last week we pointed out how you can order water containers from the web. Continue reading “SHiNA weekly news for August 23” →

From the editor

I’m sorry this week’s email has been delayed by several days. The truth is that due to the pressure of outside events these emails will become somewhat irregular in the coming months. This week our email is short but mostly happy. Over 100 neighbors celebrated together with music and food and games and door prizes at our annual summer picnic last week. Spirits were high. Groups gathered at tables and on blankets, neighbors met one another and shared food, listened to music by GRRRLZ ROCK and Eugene Taiko, whose rhythmic drumming inspired several young dancers. One neighbor five blocks away enjoyed listening to the drummers from his porch.

More than a hundred tickets were put in for the free door prizes;d winners happily took home baskets full of gifts. Prizes included a cooler), laminated star maps, pots with peppers, ‘smores, a basket of teas, a picnic hamper with barbecue supplies, and a child’s chair with toys. SHiNA provided ice cream and water while neighbors brought tasty foods. We will be having another picnic next summer, but in the meantime there will be other social events coming up. Stay tuned!

Continue reading “August 17 SHiNA newsletter” →

From the editor

You’ve read our announcements…
You’ve received the gold postcard…
You’re reading this notice…
Now it’s time for action: come on out to the picnic on Sunday!
At the Farmhouse, 2 to 6 pm, jazz and blues, potluck, kids activities provided, info tables, ice cream, door prizes, Taiko drums, how can you hesitate! At Wayne Morse Family Farm Park, on Crest Drive.

Earthquake News

Neighbors asked when the EWEB water container program would be on. EWEB customers can pre‐order an emergency water supply storage container in August 2015 for pick‐up in October 2015 at http://www.eweb.org/waterreliability. There’s a four‐container limit per household; available while supplies last.

Crime Report

A neighbor writes: “A package from Amazon was on my front porch on Olive Street between 34th and 35th and we were not at home to immediately get it off the porch. A neighbor reports that a large gold SUV, like a Ford Explorer, stopped in front of the house. A child got out and ran up to the porch then ran back to the SUV. She says it looked liked a mother and son so the neighbor presumed it was a friend of mine picking up something. The woman had dark hair, either short or up on top of her head. The boy was about 12ish. They drove from Crest towards W35th, stopped in front of my house and the boy got out and ran up to my porch. The female turned around in the neighbor’s driveway then came back in front of my house to pick up the boy, who had my Amazon order, minus the shipping case, and drove back towards Crest. The gold SUV had a regular Oregon license plate that began with H. The SUV wasn’t old, more newish was the neighbors impression.” Continue reading “PICNIC and SHiNA newsletter” →

Next General Gathering

Picnic Time!

Next Sunday, August 9, from 2 to 6, we will celebrate at our annual summer picnic and potluck.

Come out to the Wayne Morse Family Farm Park, bring some food and beverages, enjoy free ice cream, of your choice, listen to good music from GRRRLZ ROCK! and bravura drumming from Eugene Taiko, receive free tickets for door prizes, pick up information on our tables, meet your neighbors — have a fine time! (Pets and alcohol are not allowed at the picnic.)

From the editor

I imagine that many of you, like me, are staying at home in cool air. So, here is some reading to while away your time while you watch the world swelter.

Here is our report on street and trail work in our vicinity this week:

W. 39th Avenue & Brae Burn Drive:
Work nears completion this week with general site cleanup. No delays or traffic changes expected.

E. 40th Avenue (Hilyard St. to Donald St.):
Work nears completion this week with general site cleanup. No delays or traffic changes expected.

Donald Street (E. 32nd Ave. to E. 40th Ave.):
Donald Street, between Willamette and E. 33rd Avenue, will be closed to all north bound traffic.
From E. 33rd Avenue to E. 40th Avenue, excavation continues for sidewalk ADA ramp replacements.
Pearl Street at Donald Street will be closed all week.
Detours are in place to the Tamerac Center.

Spencer Butte Summit Trail (at S. Willamette St.):
The project is now substantially complete and further regular closures are not anticipated.

Fillmore Street (W. 19th Ave. to W. 24th Ave.):
Contractor will begin constructing sidewalk ramps and repairing curb and gutter. Work may result in parking lane closures with trucks and flaggers in the roadway.

South Willamette Special Zone News:

On July 21 seventeen members from the affected neighborhood associations (Southwest Hills, Southeast, Friendly, Amazon) met to discuss the status and impact of the South Willamette special zone plan. The discussion was far-reaching and raised many questions and although it didn’t lead to any concrete action plan and it was a first step in having the affected areas talk with each other about common problems and next steps.

Earthquake News:

You may recall that last week I pointed to an article in the New Yorker which painted a scary picture of the results of a larger earthquake on the Cascadia fault off the coast of Oregon. This week I point you to another article by the same author in which she deals further with the threats and what one can do about them.

http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/how-to-stay-safe-when-the-big-one-comes

She begins the articlle: “For most of the past three years, I’ve worked as a book critic, which is not a job that affords me many opportunities to scare the living daylights out of my readers. (Authors, occasionally; readers, no.) But earlier this month, when a story I wrote about a dangerous fault line in the Pacific Northwest hit the newsstands, the overwhelming response was alarm.”

Near the end of the article, she concludes: “I live in New York most of the year, but I spend my summers in Oregon. Nothing in my personal or professional life obliges me to do so. Clearly, I am not oblivious to the risks. Given all that, and given the scenario I outlined in this article, why do I still choose to spend time here? Part of my answer is, I imagine, one I share with many people in the region: this place feels like home. I used to live here year-round, I still have family and friends in the area, and I dearly love it—so much so that there is an inverse correlation between the airplane descending into the Portland airport and my own spirit rising. …That’s one way of looking at life in the Pacific Northwest: it’s a wonderful activity, but to do it safely you need to understand its inherent risks and work to allay them. That’s the other reason I’m still here: I’ve done that work, and I’m comfortable with the level of risk I now live with.”

In the body of the article, she refines the estimates of danger, provides a “shake map” for a big quake [Eugene is in a moderately serious zone], discusses tsunami dangers [up to three miles inland in some places], and provides a list of sensible steps everyone can take.

One point she makes is that by blocking transportation a quake could shatter the region “into thousands of tiny areas, each isolated from one another and all extremely difficult to reach.” Mutual neighborhood support will be crucial, hence the need to stock up on some supplies and know your neighbors needs and resources.

Speaking of supplies: more Emergency Preparation News

Emergency Water Supply Storage from EWEB

We all know we should have stash of critical emergency supplies at the ready in case of a severe storm event or natural disaster. But many of us don’t quite get around to assembling our kits, which should include safe drinking water supplies.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that each household store a three‐day supply of water (one gallon of water per person or pet, per day) for drinking and sanitation.

EWEB is again partnering with the Oregon Pacific Chapter of the American Red Cross and the city of Eugene to cultivate a culture of preparedness in our community. The ability for our community to recover quickly from emergencies and disasters begins with us.

Emergency Water Supply Storage Containers

Our local partnership is again offering three‐gallon water bottles at a discount price to make it easy for households to obtain emergency water storage containers. Each bottle is just $5 (retail price $17 to $21) and the cost will be applied to your EWEB utility bill. Each bottle will have useful water and electric outage preparation tips on the container, including instructions for keeping your water safe.

These BPA‐free, three‐gallon water storage containers have a reusable twist cap. Once your family has used your stored emergency water supply you can disinfect and refill your emergency water storage container or if needed, bring the container to fill at an emergency water distribution site.

EWEB customers can pre‐order an emergency water supply storage container in August 2015 for pick‐up in October 2015 at http://www.eweb.org/waterreliability. There’s a four‐container limit per household; available while supplies last.

Notes from the City:

(1) Vision Screening for Young Children at Library
Saturday, August 8, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
In August, the Eugene Public Library will host free “See to Read” vision screenings for children ages three to seven years old. The screenings are non-invasive and take only a few minutes. This service is provided through a partnership among the Oregon State Elks Association, Oregon State Lions Association, and Oregon public libraries.

The drop-in sessions at the Eugene Public Library will be held Saturday, Aug. 8. Come to the Bethel Branch between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., or go to the Downtown Library between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. All Oregon children age seven or younger are required to have their vision screened before starting school or preschool. The purpose is to check for a number of eye diseases that can be treated successfully if caught early.

If the free, initial screening raises concerns, a full eye examination will be recommended. The most commonly found diseases are refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism – and amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.” Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment, which translates to the best chance for successful learning as school begins.

For more information about See to Read vision screenings, visit http://www.seetoread.net or contact the Eugene Public Library at 541-682-8316 or http://www.eugene-or.gov/library.

(2) Gardening and Food News : 2015 Northwest Permaculture Convergence August 28, 29 & 30

The Convergence will be a unique opportunity to connect with others with a keen interest in urban/suburban resilience. August 28 to 30 at the River Road Recreation Center. The Green Neighborhood Summit is even more specific about creating resilient homes and neighborhoods with presentations, a Saturday site tour and caucus sessions. We are expecting participants from Portland, Olympia, Seattle, Bellingham, Ashland, Tacoma, Port Townsend, Eugene.

The Summit is intended to mark the beginning of a regional/bi state network to compare notes and learn from each other about greening our homes, neighborhoods and communities. The Summit will include presentations of particular interest to neighborhood leaders including Green Prearedness, Block Planning, great stories from other town about greening neighborhoods plus caucus sessions to meet our colleagues and compare notes.

The site tours on Friday will be extensive. Five tours will visit over 40 sites. Rain water catchment, solar redesign, edible landscaping, collaborations between neighbors, reclaiming automobile space and a lot more such as green business, Block Planning, community projects on public property, shared residential living and more.

The outdoor Expo will be free and open to the public with 15 presentations about sustainability and resilience skills, educational groups tabling, exhibits, Kid Zone and much more. The site tours and Summit are free and open to the public. Both the site tours and Expo are free and open to the public.

The Convergence web site is up dated with schedules for the overall event, the Summit, the site tours. We will have the presentation schedule on line by July 5, anticipating over 35 panels and presentations such as regional food security, cooperative economics, food forests, green preparedness, permaculture applied to suburban properties and much more.

The plenary talks will focus on creating more green and resilient neighborhoods with speakers from all over the Northwest. Bikes are highly recommended. Check registration for group discounts. Five or more people registering at the same time means a $20 savings per person.

Visit the website http://www.northwestpermaculture.org for a schedule and more information.

(3) Future Plans

Eugene Parks System Plan Update
PICTURE the possibilities; PLAN places and spaces; PLAY for years to come!
The City of Eugene is embarking on an 18-month process to update Eugene’s parks and recreation system plan. PARKS and RECreate will build on the system’s strong legacy and guide necessary adjustments to meet new challenges. And, we can’t do it without you!
This summer we are squarely in the “collect” phase of the project and we need to know – what do you want, need and desire for Eugene’s parks and recreation? There are a number of ways you can join the conversation and tell us what is important to YOU.
Take this 15-minute survey. It’s quick and easy. Your voice truly matters AND we will enter you into a prize drawing for amazing customized recreation experiences.
Register for our mailing list so we can keep you updated on what we are learning as we move forward.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and visit us at http://www.EUGparksandrec.org for more info.
And last, but certainly not least, find the little red bus popping up at a location near you this summer. Come talk to us, share your parks and recreation story in the Chatter Box, take your selfie in the Picture Your Parks photo booth, make music with our pedal powered bike, toss a beanbag and enjoy some free ice cream or juice. There are all kinds of ways for you to have fun and share what matters most to you and your family. Tour dates and locations can be found at http://www.EUGparksandrec.org

(4) Events at Alton Baker Park:

(A) Social Justice Summer Party
Sunday, Aug 2 – Alton Baker Park
Join McKenzie River Gathering for the Annual Social Justice Summer party on August 2 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Alton Baker Park in Shelter Enjoy hearty and delicious treats, meet MRG’s grantees who are advancing social justice in the Willamette Valley, and connect with other justice seekers.

(B) Hiroshima & Nagasaki Commemoration
August 6 at 6:30 PM – Alton Baker Park
70 years ago this August, the U.S. dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Those two bombs killed over 200,000 people. Each year the community gathers to honor the victims and to take action to help ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again. A commemoration honoring the atomic bomb victims and a celebration of a diverse community coming together to say “Never Again”, will be held at Alton Baker Park’s small shelter, near the duck pond and park entrance. There will be drumming by Eugene Taiko, traditional Japanese Obon dancing, and music by the Yujin Gakuen Children’s Peace Choir. The event will close at dusk with the floating of candle lanterns on the duck pond while Koto master Mitsuki Dazai plays traditional Japanese music. For More information contact CALC at 541-485-1755 or calcpeace@efn.org

(C) Eugene Pride Day Festival
Saturday, August 8
Join us for music, art, learning and beautiful LGBTQ friends and allies in Alton Baker Park on Saturday, August 8 from noon until 6 PM. Enjoy a beverage from the beer garden and try some tasty food from local vendors. FREE admission with a $5 suggested donation – all proceeds go to cover event costs.

Next General Gathering

There will be no general meeting in July but keep in mind our Annual Summer Picnic on August 9, this year with drums and music.

From the editor

This weekend I’ll be on the coast with family, so this will be a early newsletter with fewer topics (unless there’s a quake, in which case it will have even fewer…)

Speaking of earthquakes:

Here’s an update on the discussion of The BIG one:

http://www.vox.com/2015/7/16/8980403/cascadia-earthquake-seattle-oregon – [a link to and a description of the now famous scary article in the New Yorker that declared “everything west of I-5 will be toast.”]

http://crosscut.com/2015/07/freaking-out-about-the-quake-hear-from-3-experts/ – [reactions to the article]

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/07/quake_tsunami_experts_advise_n.html – [practical advice about the situation]

Special Zoning Area News

If you saw Ed Russo’s fine article in the R-G last Sunday you may have noticed that yours truly was quoted at the end of the article. The quote was accurate as far as it went, but could give the misleading impression that I was speaking for the SHiNA association. In the email Ed quoted I said at the beginning that I was speaking as an interested individual and not as a board member. I also discussed a little more, though not enough, the problem of getting historical protection for “ordinary” neighborhoods whose distinction lies in their ongoing life and overall effect rather than a few architecturally distinctive buildings.

Here’s the full text of the emails involved:
(1) First was the Board’s response to his questions:

Over the past several years our Association has hosted several speakers and discussions about the special zone. The recent set of letters was occasioned by the appearance of placards announcing likely rezoning of certain lots, which made neighbors suddenly aware of the progress of the plan. They feel great concern that many of our residents and see many negative aspects in the plan

A group of concerned neighbors attended last week’s Board meeting and we all discussed the issue and what could be done at this late date. The Association has not taken any official stand on the issue, which, according to our charter, the Board cannot do on its own.

The Association sees its role as conveying emphatically the concerns and worries of the neighbors about the plans. Given the late stage of the process, this means sending written interventions from the neighbors to the planning commission and the Council. We have secured feedback from groups of neighbors who identified issues and indicated possible solutions to their concerns; these documents have already been sent directly to the Chair and commissioners of the Planning Commission. Before the Board meeting we had already requested a special meeting of the planning commissioners with South Eugene neighbors to gain additional insights on their concerns. We will also be requesting a special meeting with the three Council members who represent our area.

(2) Then I added, in a separate email:

Writing as an individual only, *not* speaking for the Association, but as one who follows the issue, I’m in favor of the overall plan but I do not think that it sufficiently recognizes and takes into account the differences of character and history of some smaller areas within the
larger plan, such as the area along Willamette South of 31st (the old Rosewood Addition) and the distinctive area of small houses along 29th in the vicinity of Portland Street.

(3) Then, in reply to a further question, I wrote a third email:

Those areas, especial Rosedale, are examples of early development in the South Hills. The city ought to make more effort to preserve its historical neighborhoods, and not just wealthy ones. Turning them into indifferent mixes takes away a source of variety and vitality. The special zone plan is too uniform, especially at the south end along 30th and along Willamette starting up the hill. Those border areas ought to have differentiated treatments that respect the historical character of the different tracts where the development moved south. Otherwise you get a HIDENSE/low transition that feels like a transplant was plopped down. The Washburn neighborhood in Springfield is an example of creative redevelopment rather than replacement.

Two of our neighbors have done extensive research on the Rosedale addition. Christine and Richard Sundt (Christine is a noted local metal and jewelry artist, currently exhibiting at White Lotus). Their emails are csundt@gmail.com and rsundt@gmail.com. They could be helpful. Retired geography professor Al Urquhart has studied the history of development in the south hills (urquhart@uoregon.edu).

(4) The Register-Guard kindly printed a correction about my role in their Wednesday edition.

Food News:

Here is a press release we received from food activists:

July 15th, 2015
Contact: Ann Kneeland, 541.514-9720
annbkneeland@yahoo.com

We’re One Step Closer to Protecting Our Local Food System for the People, by the People!

We must stand together to define our community values and to protect them by law; it is our duty to safeguard the economic well-being of our organic and conventional farmers who are at the heart of our local food system.
EUGENE, Oregon –

Support Local Food Rights (SLFR) celebrates the launch of a new campaign to protect Lane County’s vibrant and locally-grown food crops and seeds from GMO contamination. The Lane County Right to a Local Food System Charter Amendment recognizes the rights of the residents to make decisions regarding their local food system. The Local Food Campaign kicks-off with a picnic at Charnel Mulligan Park in Eugene on Monday, July 20th, from 6-8pm. The event will feature campaign updates, volunteer sign-ups, and training for people interested in gathering signatures.

Because local agriculture is integral to the well-being of Lane County, the urgency to prevent GMOs from entering the locally-grown food system requires immediate action. The most obvious problem is that once the local farms and lands are exposed, the contamination can never be reversed and will cause potentially devastating losses to local farms. This includes cross-contamination in nature where native plant species and weeds in the trenches will forever exhibit the effects of interference. Once propagated, there is no way to prevent birds, bees, or wind currents from carrying the GMO pollen and seeds to farm lands, gardens, and nurseries, which is why a ban on GMO crops is the only solution.

Lane County’s CSAs (community supported agriculture), farmers’ markets, restaurants marketing local food, local food pantries, farm-to-school programs, and the whole locally-grown food economy depend on a GMO-free county to prevent problems leading to negative health and economic outcomes. The solution to these potentially devastating problems is the Charter Amendment ban on GMO agriculture; it is essential to protecting Local Food Systems and to holding those responsible for contamination liable for economic damages.

If the Lane County community values its local food system, food security, and sustainability, then local law-making is necessary – especially when state laws fail to prevent big GMO agricultural corporations, like Monsanto and Syngenta, from ignoring the well-being of our local food systems in pursuit of shareholder profits. When Oregon’s state legislators and regulators, charged with protecting the people and the natural resources, fail to take the necessary steps to protect our organic and conventionally grown crops and seeds, and instead pass measures that ensure corporate profits, people must to stand together and insist on new laws. To learn more, bring your picnic baskets and blankets and join us for this special community event at Charnel Mulligan Park (Charnelton and 17th, Eugene).

SLFR is the sister organization of Community Rights Lane County (CRLC) and part of the broader ‘Our Community, Our Choices campaign’. To learn more about the Right to a Local Food System, visit: localfoodrights.com. To learn more about the growing community rights movement and ‘Our Community, Our Choices’ campaigns, visit: communityrightslanecounty.org

[Editor’s note: For a recent surprisingly passionate but apparently well-informed defense of GMO food, see, http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/07/are_gmos_safe_yes_the_case_against_them_is_full_of_fraud_lies_and_errors.html?wpsrc=sp_all_native_by-section — Whatever the result of the GMO dispute, the case for supporting our local agriculture and local food supplies is strongly based on many different arguments and facts.]

* * * * * *

Next General Gathering

There will be no general meeting in July but keep in mind our Annual Summer Picnic on August 9, this year with drums and music.

From the editor

Lots of news and announcements this week

Eldon Fox, Evan Rees, and Bob Larson have joined our Board, and Bob Milk has signed on as a consultant/liaison for issues affecting Treehouse HOA and Rest Haven. (Board members are appointed by the chair, with those appointments confirmed at the November general meeting.)

The City has introduced a new rule for public forums which increases the impact of Neighborhood Association board members at public hearings.

“Board & Commission Members Move to Front of the Queue
Effective immediately all members of formally recognized boards (including recognized neighborhood association board members) committees and commissions will be moved to the front of the queue when they appear at council meetings to speak at a public forum on behalf of the group they represent.

Members will need to introduce themselves to the staff member at sign-up as a representative of one of the City’s boards, committees, or commissions and they will be given their chance to speak first when the public forum begins.
Public forums are part of regular City Council meetings which are usually held the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m. Sign-up forms are available at the information desk at the back of Harris Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. The forms must be submitted no later than five minutes after the meeting has been called to order.”

So it will help your local group or HOA to have a member on the Association board, or to arrange to have a board member present your ideas. You can then present them again later in the hearing, for double effectiveness.

This email newsletter now goes out to 389 addresses, sign up today!

Street News

It’s time to begin our summer street construction updates for our area

W. 39th Avenue & Brae Burn Drive: Milling and paving are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Expect one-way traffic on 39th Avenue and Brae Burn Drive, entering from 39th. Traffic will not be allowed to enter the neighborhood from 46thAvenue/Willamette Street. Watch for signs, cones, and flaggers.

E. 40th Avenue (Hilyard St. to Donald St.): Excavation continues for sidewalk ramp replacements. Watch for signs, cones, possible flaggers, and minor delays.

Donald Street (E. 32nd Ave. to E. 40th Ave.): Excavation continues for sidewalk ramp replacements. Watch for signs, cones, possible flaggers, and minor delays.

Spencer Butte Summit Trail (at S. Willamette St.): Construction on summit trail is expected to continue through the end of July. Work will require occasional partial or complete closures of the butte and adjacent section of Ridgeline Trail. Partial trail closures will continue Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 4:30pm. Next full closure is presently scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, approximately 6:00am to 10:00am, depending on weather and other conditions. For closure maps and updated project information, visit http://www.eugene-or.gov/spencerbutte.

News about the South Willamette Special Zone Plan

(1) Ed Russo from the Register-Guard is writing an article on the South Willamette Special Zone Plan. He spoke with David Kolb and Christine Sundt, among others, and his article should appear soon.

(2) We received this note from the city

South Eugene Special Area Zone
Hello Neighbors
Thank you for your continued interest in the South Willamette Special Area Zone planning process.

The South Willamette Concept Plan created by the community between 2011 and 2013 is now in the implementation phase – this includes a Special Area Zone and Design Code update for the South Willamette area. The goal of the plan is to support an attractive, healthy, walkable neighborhood with successful businesses and new opportunities for jobs and housing.

Additional information about the proposed Special Area Zone and Design Code are available at
https://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?nid=2675

The Planning Commission is currently in deliberations considering a recommendation of the plan to the City Council. Deliberations were scheduled to be complete on Monday, July 6. However, the Commission needed additional time to craft its recommendation. An additional deliberation meeting has been scheduled: July 20, 2015 at 11:30 am
Sloat Room, Atrium Building, 99 W 10th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97401

Please note that the public record for these deliberations is currently closed; Commission may only hear public comments that are not related to the South Willamette Special Area Zone.

However, staff are continuing to gather public comments for the upcoming City Council process. The record will be open again as the City Council considers the Planning Commission’s recommendation this fall. The City Council will make the final decision on adopting code revisions. Please submit written comments to: Email: Jennifer.L.Knapp@ci.eugene.or.us. Or call for more information on becoming involved.

Thank you,
Jennifer Knapp, Associate AIA
Urban Design Planner
City of Eugene I Planning Division
99 W. 10th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
541.682.5445

(3) Southeast Neighbors had this to say in their newsletter
The South Willamette Concept Plan created by the community between 2011 and 2013 is now in the implementation phase – this includes a Special Area Zone and Design Code update for the South Willamette area. The goal of the plan is to support an attractive, healthy, walkable neighborhood with successful businesses and new opportunities for jobs and housing.

Eben Fodor’s opinion piece in the Register Guard warns that the plan has “morphed into a heavy-handed makeover of the entire neighborhood…that will forcibly re-zone 227 single-family homes, allow five- to eight-story buildings next to homes, block views of our Spencer Butte landmark, create gentrification, generate gridlock on the streets, and result in a parking crisis.”
Other concerns neighbors have raised relate to topics such as public process, transitions between the proposed district and the adjacent, established neighborhoods, and the recent expansion of Cascade Manor.

The Planning Commission will complete deliberations Monday, July 20th. They will provide City Council with an informational update shortly after their summer break, likely in September.

Other items received from the City

(1) Hearing on the Urban Growth Boundary

As you know, we have been discussing the Urban Growth Boundary recommendation with the community and decision makers since December 2014. In January, the Council took action to direct us to prepare an adoption package for jobs, parks, and schools in the Clear Lake and Santa Clara areas. In February and April, Council discussed the housing recommendation, including different options for incorporating new population forecasts in our future planning. We are pleased to be returning to Council on Monday with a refined recommendation that responds to the feedback we have heard. You can find the Council memo detailing the recommendation here: http://eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?nid=536 Please click on “Current Council Agenda – Monday (large PDF)”.

The meeting is at 5:30 pm in Harris Hall, is open to the public and webcast live here: http://eugene-or.gov//index.aspx?NID=1438.

Thank you for your continued interest and participation.
Sincerely,
Terri Harding, AICP, Principal Planner
And the Envision Eugene Team
City of Eugene Planning Division
(541) 682-5635
Terri.l.harding@ci.eugene.or.us
http://www.envisioneugene.org

(2) Eugene Trails Plan

Open House – Tuesday, July 28
Parks and Open Space Division (POS) has received quite a few comments and suggestions since the last meeting in February related to the Eugene Trails Plan. POS has since updated the maps and plans with some of the suggestions and requests incorporated and they’ve done our best to develop a balanced plan that provides both a vision for the future as well as a range of specific implementable projects and studies that will help us begin to realize the vision.

Considering current budgets and funding it is very unlikely POS will be able to implement and maintain all the potential projects outlined within these draft maps over the next decade or two but POS has carefully prioritized the projects into three implementation categories: short range (1-5 yrs out); medium range (6-10); and long range (11-20). The project priority list will be available on the webpage soon and will be available for review at the open house.

The final open house will be on Tuesday, July 28, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at the Parks and Open Space Facility Conference Room, at 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97402. This will be a drop-in meeting, where staff will be available to review maps, projects, and answer questions. Feel free to stop by anytime between 6 and 8pm.

For details and downloadable maps and documents, please visit http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=2543

Emergency Preparedness Notes

(1) Emergency Preparation Made Easy:

Emergency Water Supply Storage from EWEB
We all know we should have stash of critical emergency supplies at the ready in case of a severe storm event or natural disaster. But many of us don’t quite get around to assembling our kits, which should include safe drinking water supplies.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that each household store a three‐day supply of water (one gallon of water per person or pet, per day) for drinking and sanitation.

EWEB is again partnering with the Oregon Pacific Chapter of the American Red Cross and the city of Eugene to cultivate a culture of preparedness in our community. The ability for our community to recover quickly from emergencies and disasters begins with us.

Our local partnership is again offering three‐gallon water bottles at a discount price to make it easy for households to obtain emergency water storage containers. Each bottle is just $5 (retail price $17 to $21) and the cost will be applied to your EWEB utility bill. Each bottle will have useful water and electric outage preparation tips on the container, including instructions for keeping your water safe.

These BPA‐free, three‐gallon water storage containers have a reusable twist cap. Once your family has used your stored emergency water supply you can disinfect and refill your emergency water storage container or if needed, bring the container to fill at an emergency water distribution site.

EWEB customers can pre‐order an emergency water supply storage container in August 2015 for pick‐up in October 2015 at http://www.eweb.org/waterreliability. There’s a four‐container limit per household; available while supplies last.

(2) Map Your Neighborhood Earthquake Training

15 Southeast neighbors attended a workshop on June 27 to learn how to help prepare their immediate neighborhood in the event of an earthquake or other major disaster. During the hour and a half training, we identifed sources of information that will be helpful before, during, and after an emergency such as our neighborhood meeting place and care center and communication channels.
• If you would like to participate in our next training, please sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084fa5ab2ba13-mapyour

Looking for Volunteers

(1) Help Build a Sustainable Eugene!

Volunteer with the Eugene Sustainability Commission
The City of Eugene is seeking interested community members to serve on the Sustainability Commission. There is one vacancy for a term that begins July 1, 2015 and runs until June 30, 2017. The Sustainability Commission is a 13 member advisory group that provides input and advice to the City Manager and City Council on programs that will create or enhance sustainable practices within the community.

The Commission meets the third Wednesday of every month, from 5:30-8:30 PM. Volunteering with the Commission requires roughly 8-10 hours per month of your time, dedicated to meetings, project work, and attendance at community events. If you are interested, please apply online or contact Babe O’Sullivan for more information: (541) 682-5017, babe.osullivan@ci.eugene.or.us.

To learn more about the commission and the current work plan visit http://www.eugene-or.gov/sustainability . Applications are due by 5:00 pm Friday July 24, 2015.

(2) Downtown Sunday Streets! July 26!

On July 26th Downtown Eugene from Park Blocks, to Kesey, and all the way down Broadway to Monroe Park will be car-free and filled with fun. Enjoy a relaxing roll though a utopia of food, music, fitness classes and bike demos. New things at Sunday Streets this year: “Art on a Box”- enjoy 20 minute open mic sets from local artists, DUNK TANK! And an upcycle t-shirt decorating competitions- Are you Sunday Street’s Top Fashionista? There is something for everyone!

We need MORE VOLUNTEERS to join the crew and have a blast in the process. This free community event is joyfully supported by an amazing crew of volunteers, like you! It’s not too late to sign up, we need you now! Volunteer time slots average two hours between 9am and 5pm. The event is open from noon-4pm. We also need a group to go out Sunday July 19th to hang door flyers. There is a role for everyone.

Job roles include:
INTERSECTION SUPERHERO-Help with participation traffic flow, answer questions, redirect neighborhood traffic, and set up or take down barricades at your intersection. Some volunteers will be asked to count event participants at different intervals.
REHYDRATORS-Make Intersection Superheroes smile by rehydrating them with water on a hot summer day!
SURVEY TEAM- Approach participants and ask them to fill out a quick survey for the event. Do either in the Activity Center or walk the route.
INFORMATION SUPERSTAR-Answer people’s questions, hand out brochures and help set up or take down info booth
And PARK SETUP and CLEANUP CREW.

Go to
http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=1668
to sign up today!
We will have two Volunteer Trainings:
• Tuesday July 21st 5:30- 6:30pm or
• Wednesday July 22nd Noon-1pm
Contact the Sunday Streets Coordinator Emily with questions or to signup- 541-501-0390 SundayStreets@ci.eugene.or.us

From the editor

The weather has cooled off a bit while the issues are heating up!

HOT ISSUES

As we mentioned in the last email, neighbors concerned about the South Willamette Street special zone have been organizing themselves. On Monday, before our Board meeting on Wednesday, SHiNA chair Juan Carlos Valle sent a letter requesting a special meeting between the members of the planning commission and residents of South Eugene. We received no response.

Also on Monday at the meeting of the planning commission, the many items that needed discussion about the special zone were not all covered. So that meeting has been continued and its second session of the meeting will be next Monday. There will be an opportunity for public comment but not on the special zone since the public record on that is already closed before the planning commission.

On Wednesday a group of neighbors came to the Board meeting and strongly expressed their views about the special zone as well as about the pending hearing on another issue, the request to redesignate the land at Rest Haven.

SHiNA promised to gather up statements about the special zone and forward them with emphasis to the planning commission and to the Council. The Board also urged the neighbors to arrange to present their concerns repeatedly at every public comment.

Once the planning commission issues its recommendations to the Council, the Council will start its own process with its own opportunities for written and oral public commen (see the note below from Jennifer Knapp).

Though we received no response to our request to the planning commission, we hope to arrange a meeting between the neighbors affected and the three city counselors (Taylor, Brown, Pryor) who represent the SHiNA area.

As I mentioned in the last email, it’s unfortunate that people were not sufficiently attentive or informed about many meetings that took place at earlier stages of this planning process, but now we need to do what we can to bring their opinions prominently before the commission and Council.

PICNIC

Whether the weather be hot or cold, we will have our annual picnic on August 9 at the farmhouse and shelter at the Wayne Morse Family Farm. The picnic will feature a potluck, free ice cream, free music from international groups including drummers from Eugene Taiko, an experience not to be missed.

Because the discussion of the picnic scheduled for last Wednesday was preempted by zoning issues, a Board meeting dedicated solely to the picnic has been arranged for this Saturday at 2 PM, at the farmhouse. Because of time constraints, no other agenda items will be addressed at this meeting.

——

FIGHT BACK THE INVADERS
Battle Plant Bullies in Tugman Park!
Saturday, July 18

Will you help to care for Tugman Creek? Volunteers are needed to weed the landscape beds and newly planted park trees as well as remove invasive vegetation from the waterway in Tugman Park. Seeking people who have a desire to battle bullies (of a plant nature) and passion for native plants, but all are welcome! Please dress for Oregon’s changing weather! Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Please bring a reusable cup. Meet at Tugman Park at 9am on Saturday, July 18. Contact carrie.l.karl@ci.eugene.or.us or 541.510.4850 to RSVP or for more information.

——

SOUTH WILLAMETTE ZONE

From the Planning Department, Jennifer Knapp writes:

“South Willamette Special Area Plan Update: Additional Deliberations Meeting Scheduled. The South Willamette Concept Plan created by the community between 2011 and 2013 is now in the implementation phase – this includes a Special Area Zone and Design Code update for the South Willamette area. The goal of the plan is to support an attractive, healthy, walkable neighborhood with successful businesses and new opportunities for jobs and housing.

The Planning Commission is currently in deliberations considering a recommendation of the plan to the City Council. Deliberations were scheduled to be complete on Monday, July 6.

However, the Commission needed additional time to craft its recommendation and another meeting has been scheduled.
July 13, 2015 at 11:30 am, Sloat Room, Atrium Building, 99 W 10th Ave.

An agenda for the meeting is available online. Webcasts of this meeting and past meetings are available online as well.
Please note that the public record for these deliberations is currently closed; Commission may only hear public comments that are not related to the South Willamette Special Area Zone.

However, staff are continuing to gather public comments for the upcoming City Council process. The record will be open again as the City Council considers the Planning Commission’s recommendation this fall. The City Council will make the final decision on adopting code revisions. Please submit written comments to: Jennifer.L.Knapp@ci.eugene.or.us.”

——

Downtown Sunday Streets! July 26!

On July 26th Downtown Eugene from Park Blocks, to Kesey, and all the way down Broadway to Monroe Park will be car-free and filled with fun. Enjoy a relaxing roll though a utopia of food, music, fitness classes and bike demos. New things at Sunday Streets this year: “Art on a Box”- enjoy 20 minute open mic sets from local artists, DUNK TANK! And an upcycle t-shirt decorating competitions- Are you Sunday Street’s Top Fashionista? There is something for everyone!

We need MORE VOLUNTEERS to join the crew and have a blast in the process. This free community event is joyfully supported by an amazing crew of volunteers, like you! It’s not too late to sign up, we need you now! Volunteer time slots average two hours between 9am and 5pm. The event is open from noon-4pm. We also need a group to go out Sunday July 19th to hang door flyers. There is a role for everyone. Job roles include:

INTERSECTION SUPERHERO-Help with participation traffic flow, answer questions, redirect neighborhood traffic, and set up or take down barricades at your intersection. Some volunteers will be asked to count event participants at different intervals.

REHYDRATORS-Make Intersection Superheroes smile by rehydrating them with water on a hot summer day!

SURVEY TEAM- Approach participants and ask them to fill out a quick survey for the event. Do either in the Activity Center or walk the route.

INFORMATION SUPERSTAR-Answer people’s questions, hand out brochures and help set up or take down info booth

And PARK SETUP and CLEANUP CREW.

Go to the Eugene Sunday Streets to sign up today!
We will have two Volunteer Trainings:
Tuesday July 21st 5:30- 6:30pm or
Wednesday July 22nd Noon-1pm
Contact the Sunday Streets Coordinator Emily with questions or to signup- 541-501-0390 SundayStreets@ci.eugene.or.us

——

2015 Northwest Permaculture Convergence August 28, 29 & 30

Plans for the 2015 Northwest Permaculture Convergence and its embedded Green Neighborhood Summit are moving forward. The Summit is an unprecedented opportunity for eco-minded neighborhood leaders from all over the Northwest to meet and greet. The plan is to include several caucus periods for participants to hear each others’ stories and learn about “green preparedness,” Block Planning and the idea of forming a Northwest network specific to greening our neighborhoods.
There is now a draft schedule for the Green Neighborhood Summit that will include a site tour of several beautiful front yard gardens and a home site full of “green preparedness” features. The tour will check out the Filbert Grove – a restoration project thanks to a citizens and City partnership and Rasor Park where citizen activation prevented much of the 6 acre site from being built and paved over.

Visit the website http://www.northwestpermaculture.org for a schedule and more information.

From the editor (this was sent out by email yesterday; my apologies for the delay posting it here)

The heat continues and we have fire dangers. Fireworks have been banned in South Eugene, and we are contemplating at the ruins of Civic Stadium. Signs have gone up about rezoning along South Willamette and nearby streets, and people are upset.

An apology

Amid all this I have to apologize. The Board had scheduled a meeting for July 2 at Market of Choice. It turned out that almost no board members would be able to come on that date, due to other commitments. So we rescheduled the meeting for July 8 at 6 PM also at Market of Choice. I notified people I knew were coming to the meeting about the change, but there were others who had been encouraged to attend and I did not know whether they were coming or not. It was my fault that I neglected to inform them of the change. They came to the meeting and the board was not there.

This would have been annoying but it became more serious because what they were anxious to talk about is happening this Monday morning, before the rescheduled Board meeting. The planning commission is meeting about the zone changes for the South Willamette area.

The next time for public comment will be before the City Council in the fall. People are understandably upset and feel that massive changes are being forced upon them quickly without sufficient notice.

A Partial Defense

An email we received complains about the speed and “abysmal lack of timely information” about this project. In response, while admitting my fault last week, I want to defend SHiNA, and point out the city has made many efforts to obtain public input while the plan was being developed. SHiNA has been notifying people since 2011 about meetings connected with this zoning. Here are five examples, among others, from past issues of our newsletter.

(1) From Oct 2011

Redesigning South Willamette

Monday October 3rd, 5:15 to 8:30 PM, Bascom Tykeson room, Eugene Public Library will be a design workshop, or “charrette” to work in groups to imagine the future of the area and record ideas for developing an urban design plan. You will be asking yourself questions such as: What areas need to stay the same?, Where might change happen?, What is really terrific about the area and where should we have more of it? Also, where and what kinds of new buildings would fit in, how tall should they be and where do we need more open space or pedestrian connections. We hope you can be part of the team that evening! The event will be held in the Bascom Tykeson Room at the Eugene Public Library at 10th and Olive Street.

There is a brief survey that is posted so you can share what is important to you in thinking about the area’s future. You will find links to the video, slide show and survey here: http://www.eugene-or.gov/oppsiting

(2) From May 2012

1) South Willamette Area Update
The South Willamette Draft Concept Area Plan is moving forward and unfolding with exciting ideas.

Two events are planned for discussing next steps for the overall draft concept area plan. These discussions focus on the range of housing and business types, building forms and enhancing the vitality and identity of the district. Transportation discussions will be coming up this summer, as you can read below.

Eugene Planning Commission

This Monday, May 7th, the Planning Commission will hear its first presentation and hold a discussion about the South Willamette Draft Concept Area Plan, as part of ongoing Envision Eugene discussions.
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, McNutt Room, Eugene City Hall, 777 Pearl Street. Please note that the South Willamette topic is later on the agenda and could be extended or postponed to May 21st.

See the Planning Commission meeting materials here. You can follow the meeting progress on the webcast.

Public Workshop: Next Steps for South Willamette Area Planning
Wednesday, May 30th, Bascom Tykeson Room, Eugene Public Library.
6:00-8:00 PM

These will both be good ways to stay current with progress of the plan and you will be able to participate in discussions of next steps at the May 30th workshop. We hope to see you there!

(3) from June 2012

South Willamette Draft Concept Plan, June 2012

More and more people are joining the conversation to envision a long-term plan for shaping the future of the South Willamette district, between 24th and 32nd Avenues and Amazon Park and the base of College Hill.

A concept plan is an integrated vision for how an area might develop over time. South Willamette is an important district to plan because this area is beginning to grow and change, adding more kinds of homes and businesses. Similar to Envision Eugene, which has created a vision for our city’s growth over the next 20 years, community members are giving input to the South Willamette concept to help shape a more vibrant and walkable living and business district. You can see an enlarged version of the plan and hear a presentation on the City of Eugene’s web page at: http://www.eugene-or.gov/SWillamette.

Share your ideas! We are still looking for feedback and community input and your participation is encouraged. You may join the Interest List with the contact information below and attend an upcoming public workshop:

Public Workshop: South Willamette Area – Draft Concept Plan
– Review an updated draft concept plan, and
– Help define future building heights, setbacks, and transitions for residential and shopping areas.

June 27, 2012; 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Hilyard Center, 2580 Hilyard St.

On the South Willamette web site you will also find answers to some frequently asked questions. To learn how the district fits into the larger community vision, visit Envision Eugene.

For more information contact: Patricia Thomas, City of Eugene Urban Design Planner patricia.thomas@ci.eugene.or.us
City of Eugene Planning Division
99 West 10th Ave.; Eugene, OR 9740

(4) in the September 2012 printed newsletter, there was an article linking the zoning plans to the dispute over restriping the street lanes.

(5) From Fall 2013

Willamette Street Request
Beyond Travel Lanes: Long Term Vision and Streetside Character

We received this message from the team developing plans for the future development of the South Willamette area. This group is separate from the group working on the options for redoing the lanes on the street.

“The Street Plan and the Concept Plan for the South Willamette Street district are closely linked. One of the next steps in refining the district vision is to explore design options for the space between the curbs and the face of the buildings along Willamette Street, or the “streetside character.” Your input on these options will help refine the concept plan.

Please consider giving your input in this shared learning process by viewing an engaging presentation and filling out a questionnaire at the following link: http://www.eugene-or.gov/SWillamette
We will be collecting responses through October 30th and hope it will include your input!”

A Plea for Suggestions

So I think is fair to say that information has long been available.

The best summary of the current state of the plan and its disputed parts is found through the links on
http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?nid=2675

Our problem appears to be communication, finding ways to get neighbors to notice and take issues seriously early enough. If you have any ideas about how SHiNA can improve this process, let us know. (dkolb@bates.edu, vallecom@gmail.com)

* * * * * *