The Eugene City Council approved three proposals Monday night that stand to reshape downtown life in Eugene.
Businessman Brian Obie’s towering request to bring a three-building expansion to the Fifth Street Market was heard by the Eugene City Council. Of his three requests, all were approved.
Included in Obie’s proposal was a request to build above the 85 foot Skinner’s Butte height limit. In addition, the council debated a possible twenty-five foot rooftop sign and the purchase of two public alleyways to accommodate the expansion.
The council unanimously approved all three requests.
City Councilor Mike Clark:
"So any argument at all that we shouldn't be growing up tall is silly, beause our community has already made it perfectly clear that that's exactly what we should be doing, and these folks are providing a really nice way to do that, in just the right place, and I think it's a great idea."
Obie’s project is projected to be the largest private development ever in downtown Eugene. The decision sets a precedent for allowing taller buildings north of Sixth Avenue.
The Council voted 5-3 in favor of a proposed 1,000 foot buffer zone between marijuana dispensaries.
There are currently 48 retail marijuana dispensaries in Eugene, and many lie along the stretch of Sixth and Seventh Avenues downtown. The concentration of retail shops has been a point of concern for residents.
Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis argues the buffer will help create business diversity downtown.
"I'm inclined to support this buffer with the idea and maybe with the sort of caveat that I think working with the business community that we should make it a priority that we are attracting other retail, and that we're not just sitting kind of hopelessly."
None of the shops already in business will be affected, and neither will any dispensaries who applied before June 15.
The second time’s the charm for the Eugene City Council as they also voted in favor of a downtown smoking ban 6-2.
The ban will disallow smoking on public sidewalks, alleyways and plazas in downtown Eugene. Businesses looking to allow smoking in front of the property will need to get approval from the city to opt-out, and owners outside of downtown can also petition for their public rights-of-way to be included in the ban.
City Councilor Claire Syrett says their vote puts public health research to use.
“We've heard research that a majority of current smokers wish to quit, and these are public health policies that have actually been proven in other cities to help people do that. And at the same time they help other people who don't smoke, having to inhale smoke in these public places.”
Councilor Emily Semple proposed an amendment to include all of the city of Eugene in the ban, but it failed. A nearly-identical ordinance was struck down by the city council last year.