WALNUT STATION MIXED USE CENTER PROJECT POISED FOR IMPLEMENTATION In May, 2005, the City of Eugene, in cooperation with the University of Oregon and the State of Oregon, initiated a planning process for “Walnut Station”, a transit stop located on the EmX Bus Rapid Transit line which connects the cities of Eugene and Springfield.  Walnut Station is also the epicenter of a planning initiative to stimulate redevelopment of this area as a key mixed use center for Eugene.  This project is now in the final phase and is scheduled for a City Council public hearing on June 21, 2010.    Phase One of this project focused on the development of a vision and planning framework for the area.   Phase one concluded with substantial agreement among stakeholders on many of the elements of a plan for redevelopment of the area as a vibrant pedestrian friendly mixed use center.  These elements are detailed in the Phase One Final Report.   That report and others related to the Phase One process can be accessed from this webpage.  Phase Two of the project focused on the needed tools to implement the vision for the area.  A new type of code called a “form-based” code is proposed to implement the vision for the Walnut Station mixed use center.  To see the current version of the proposed form based code for this area, please click here. In addition to using a form based code, implementation of the vision for this area includes the proposal to redesign Franklin Boulevard to support the pedestrian and transit-friendly mixed use development concept.  This street could be converted to a multiway boulevard as shown in the photo-simulations (please click here to view the simulations). The draft Walnut Station Specific Area Plan is an umbrella document that provides a detailed description of the visioning process, how the implementation tools were developed,  and provides policy direction for redevelopment of the area consistent with this vision.  This plan can be accessed here. The plan development process relied heavily on an iterative and varied public participation process and brought together property owners, residents, staff, consultants and numerous other stakeholders to develop a shared vision and a plan to implement the vision.  A Stakeholders Group with representation from the Fairmount Neighborhood Association, the University of Oregon, the City of Eugene and the Chamber of Commerce representing local area businesses was instrumental in creation of this plan. Check this website for updates on upcoming meetings and for links to the adoption documents.