A new park in the West University Neighborhood is one step closer to reality after the Eugene City Council approved a motion Wednesday directing the city manager to execute a property swap between the city and Bob and Leslie Quinney.
The Quinneys own property adjacent to the current West University Park and want to trade it for the park property. The current location on East 14th Avenue puts it in the middle of the block, making it difficult for police to see activity from the streets.
The land swap would enable the park to extend to the corner of East 14th Avenue and Hilyard Street, thus improving visibility.
The council approved the motion 6-2, with councilors Bonny Bettman, Ward 1; and Betty Taylor, Ward 2; dissenting because of concerns about a clause in the motion that gives the Quinneys priority to purchase the property should it be put up for sale.
“I think that is totally out of line,” said Taylor, who represents the South Eugene area.
Ward 3 City Councilor David Kelly, who represents the University area, said after the meeting that the Quinneys want first pick of the property because they will be tailoring an apartment complex they plan to build to align with the park.
If the park is sold to another developer, tenants in the new complex could be faced with a high-density apartment building, Kelly said.
Kelly emphasized during the meeting that he is very hopeful the park will thrive at its new location and not need to be sold.
Before passing the motion, the council voted to include a clause that allowed for an open bidding process, meaning the Quinneys still have first bid, but if a higher bid is submitted they must match that dollar amount.
Kelly said after the meeting that the Quinneys are hoping to complete the land swap and have a new apartment complex operating by fall 2006.