Eugene City councilors Wednesday approved spending $400,000 in urban renewal funds on a project to improve open spaces downtown.
The focus is on the pedestrian plaza between the Hult Center and the Graduate Hotel and Eugene Conference Center. The proposal is to repair the sidewalks and add lighting to the Willamette Connection which includes Eugene’s Japanese internment memorial. At Wednesday’s work session, city councilor Alan Zelenka said he appreciates the investment in safety.
“Finally, it makes the city more beautiful and inviting,” Zelenka said. “And if we only spend money on problems and functionality, we never get the beautification and we end up with an old, dilapidated looking city. So, I think what Eugene looks like is important.”
The city has also approved a free-standing public bathroom near the park blocks downtown. It’s expected to be done in time for World Kindness day in mid-November.
