Ground is being cleared for the University’s East Campus Children’s Center , but a neighborhood group is continuing in its efforts to block the project.
The University has started cutting down trees and moving houses in the area, and those who oppose the project say the University does not yet have a right to work on the land.
In order to begin building on the site, the University must obtain a conditional use permit. Eugene Hearings official Virginia Gustafson approved the permit on Sept. 20, but two neighbors from the Fairmount Neighborhood Association filed an appeal Sept. 30.
The University does not need a permit to clear the area, said Terri Harding of Satre Associates P.C., the University’s applicant representative. Harding added that the University owns the land.
“It’s complicated, but it’s not unknown that the University is interested in moving these houses,” she said. “It’s not illegal.”
When neighbors Jeff Osanka and Toby Grant filed the appeal, they said they thought it would prevent the University from moving forward a proposal they think is unsound.
Some neighbors reacted calmly to the recent developments.
“It doesn’t come to me as a surprise,” Fairmount resident Jeff Nelson said. “They need to wait to get approval from the city.”
He added residents’ primary concern with the University building nearby is the increased traffic in the neighborhood.
One University employee disagreed.
“My understanding is that the University put the houses on our site out to bid, and these houses have been sold,” EMU Child Care Center Coordinator Dennis Reynolds said.
Some residents spoke in support of the proposed structure.
“It’s fine as far as I’m concerned,” Fairmount resident Ellen Maddex said. She said the current child care facilities are in disrepair, and constructing a new center is a good move.
There is still some concern among the neighbors.
“Instead of beautification, they’re doing uglification, and some of the neighbors in that area are unhappy,” Osanka said.
But the University maintains its intentions are to improve the area.
Associate Vice President for Institutional Affairs Jan Oliver said the University only intends to cut down several small trees, and the building is designed to accommodate two of the old trees growing in the area.
The appeal will be reviewed by the Eugene Planning Commission during a public hearing at 6 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Sloat Room of the Atrium Building, located at 99 W. 10th Ave.