Lower River Road Concept Plan Finalized

On June 22, 2009, the Planning Commission acknowledged the Lower River Road Concept Plan as the final document for planning efforts for the Rasor Mixed Use Center project. The Planning Commission’s acknowledgement of this document marks the final step in this multi-year planning process that engaged hundreds of individuals since first initiated in 2007.

The Lower River Road Concept Plan is the final report for the Rasor Mixed Use Center planning project.  The plan includes five prioritized implementation strategies on the topics of:  Willamette River Greenway & Rasor Park, Sustainability, Multi-modal Transportation Improvements, Land Use and Development, and Public Collaboration and Partnerships.  Over thirty recommendations are included as actions that can be taken to facilitate mixed use center development in the future.  The concept plan includes recommendations on building types that could be utilized to increase density and create a walkable shopping area, while respecting the existing open space and parks in the area.

Members of the River Road Community Organization, Whiteaker Community Council, and property owners,  have been active participants in the project through their involvement with the Community Advisory Committee and their advocacy for planning for a moderate increase in density (12 units per acre) to the developable land in the study area.  Encouraging density as part of mixed use development is considered a sustainability strategy, so that people have the opportunity to live, work, shop and play without having to use a car.  Mixed use planning like this will allow growth to be considered in a central location, that will be compact so as to reduce sprawl and development on outlying lands.

The concept plan makes recommendations for improved transit, like expansion of the EmX line along River Road, and improved pedestrian access across River Road to the West Bank Bike Trail by recommending installation of new stop lights and bike paths, which could help reduce traffic speeds on this major arterial.

The Lower River Road Concept Plan is intended to provide the City, neighborhood associations, property owners and residents a map for future action for development of a mixed use center in this area of Eugene.  The plan vision considers this project as an opportunity for the future built environment to complement the natural environment of this choice Willamette River location. 

For more information contact Ken Guzowski at ken.j.guzowski@ci.eugene.or.us and at 682-5562.  The Rasor Mixed Use Center website includes the Lower River Road Concept Plan as well as supplemental reports and maps at www.eugene-or.gov/rasorpark.