[NLC] Sustainability Commission LUTSCO discussion today, 3/16

[Kevin Matthews]

Dear Kevin,

I wonder if you could help me understand whether this draft from October 25, 2009 is the most recent version of the memo from the Land Use and Transportation Sub-Committee (LUTSCO) of Eugene’s Sustainability Commission:

http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_354588_0_0_18/LUTSCO%20Memo%20Draft.pdf

If I understand the agenda for the Sustainability Commission meeting (tonight at 5:30pm in the McNutt Room at City Hall)...

http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=357764&parentname=CommunityPage&parentid=0&mode=2&in_hi_userid=2&cached=true

...finalizing this LUTSCO memo, for presentation to the City Council, is an important topic of discussion.

Although mostly generalities, the October 25, 2009 draft memo is of substantial concern.  On the one hand, it includes portenous statements like:

"We believe that Council and staff would be well served by being better versed in articulating reasons for decisions in spite of their apparent inequity in the short-term.  Occasionally, this will mean delivering tough news to individuals and interest groups who perceive harm from certain decisions."

With that stragne interpretation of 'win-win solutions' being apparently coupled with what could be interpreted as virtual code-words for promoting residential infill, as in the first item listed for specific strategies:

"Facilitate compact residential development that fits with and even enhances neighborhood character"

On the other hand, while the October 25, 2009 draft fails to account for concrete technical research provided to sub-committee members, more importantly, it fails to define, or really even suggest, actual new strategies or policies sufficient to change (improve) the sustainability effectiveness of our efforts in land use and transportation planning over the last ten years and more.

I'm disappointed that the subcommittee has apparently made so little progress beyond the failed and discredited infill-uber-alles approach of the decade old land use code update.

All that said... I absolutely would not want to spend anyone's meeting time commenting on an obsolete draft memo.  

I would appreciate the opportunity to provide up-to-date and well-informed comment, if any newer draft of the memo is extant.

Thanks sincerely,

Kevin Matthews
Friends of Eugene
etc.






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