The University Senate passed a resolution Wednesday against the controversial Riverfront Research Park — a proposed University expansion that would allot 4.2 acres for the construction of buildings and parking lots along the south bank of the Willamette River.
Passed by a vote of 29-8-1, the resolution declares the Senate will remain opposed to the development “until the University undergoes a student and faculty inclusive, open process for revising the RRP Master Plan.”
The research park expansion has been dogged by public opposition throughout the planning process, which critics say has been dismissive of community input. The master plan for riverfront development was first approved in 1989.
Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies Rich Linton defended the plan at the meeting.
“Not that it had universal acclaim or support, but the planning process itself was a thorough and thoughtful exercise,” he said.
Linton argued that the proposed design was more sustainable and environmentally-minded than critics have given it credit for. He also said the development and contracting costs on the site have already exceeded “well beyond half a million dollars.”
Two University architecture students, Christopher Brehm and Rena Schlachter, presented the case against the development at the meeting.
“This is a critical decision,” Brehm said. “We’re not opposed to development, but it’s an important thing for the University to debate. There needs to be a faculty and student inclusive process to discuss this.”
Brehm and Schlachter also cited environmental concerns, such as a recently issued Daily Air Quality report that found Benzine leaching from the soil into the river.
“Once there’s a parking lot there, the opportunity to clean it up may be gone,” Schlachter said. “Now is not the time to push through with the project.”
Diane Wiley, director of the Riverfront Research Park, said alternative sites were considered but ultimately were not viable.
However, she said, the building would be 100 feet back from the riverfront, and larger bike paths would be added along the banks.
Wiley also said the land for the site had been environmentally remediated, with only a few small trouble areas left.
Currently, the planning process has been stalled by an appeal of the University’s conditional land-use permit. The City of Eugene will be holding a hearing on Jan. 20 to hear public testimony on the research park.
ASUO President Emma Kallaway said many members of the ASUO will be attending the public hearing and bringing students along to testify. The ASUO Senate passed a similar resolution opposing the development plan earlier in the year.
“These resolutions are just another step in engaging a world-class research institution in the planning process of what to do with our precious waterfront, which belongs to all the students that will ever attend the University and the community of Eugene,” ASUO Environmental Advocate Daniel Rottenberg said. Rottenberg was involved in crafting both of the resolutions.
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