Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Should Eugene and Springfield each have their own say in their urban growth boundaries?

KEZI--

It’s time for Eugene and Springfield to go their own separate ways, says the Home Builders Association, stating that both cities have a different approach to growth.
Currently, if Springfield wants to expand its urban growth boundary it would have to go through Eugene.
"It would be a joint between Eugene, Springfield and Lane County so there'd be a fairly lengthy process," said Mayor Sid Leiken.

According to the Homebuilders Association, the area is quickly running out of and buildable land and would like to see Springfield to be able to grow on its own.
"Eugene just has a very different approach then Springfield," said Lane County Home Builders Association Director of Government Affairs Roxie Cuellar. "Springfield recognizes the problem, wants to add land to accommodate growth, the council's split four four."
Developer John Musumeci says splitting the urban growth boundary would have a lot of positive impacts on the area.
"Starter houses will be a lot cheaper than they are now it will be a lot more affordable and what it's going to do for the tax base is just going to be incredible."

I would love to see Eugene and Springfield separate. Springfield has proven over and over again in my opinion that it has its "shit together" in many different areas, from taxes to being business friendly.
The downside, Springfield is a small town that is growing, and going through growing pains. Personally, I prefer Springfield over Eugene because of its environment, it's cost of living, and the fact that it seems like Springfield government has its act together more than Eugene.
Do I really want to see Springfield grow? Not really to be honest. However, it is inevitable, and that's progress.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Robin

I am glad you blogged this. I am not sure how big you all realize this is but it is huge. This story has been carried all over the state, including Portland TV, the Oregonian and the Statesman Journal to name a few. Eugene drew first by coming out publicly they will not do a land study nor would they even consider expanding the urban growth boundary. Brilliant strategy by Mayor Leiken on this with the Home Builder's leading the effort and having a democrat sponsor the legislation.

Anonymous said...

When I was growing up in the area, Springfield was the backwards "hick" town we all made fun of. It seems as if this has turned around to be the city to respect and look to for progress. Eugene has become a smaller version of Portland with poor choices and a hatred for growth.
When the ferry street bridge area was "re-worked" it failed to meet the requirements of growth because Eugene fears it. "Environmentalists" want only non-motorized vehicles on the roads, no industry and only government assistance. Springfield seems to have realized what it takes to be prosperous and financially independent. Springfield has moved away from the failed mill town to one that embraces the future and technology. I would move to Springfield before I would move back to Eugene.