We Have Wonderful News!
The Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) granted $56,000 to student groups to begin a process of creating a new vision for the future of the university’s riverfront.
The grant will provide opportunities for students and the wider community to learn about the riverfront and to help people imagine what it could be like in the future. Student organizations will host public lectures and workshops throughout the coming year. We’ll keep you posted.
The grant will also allow faculty across disciplines to offer classes and sponsor research that focuses on the riverfront–such as gathering ecological data, initiating a creative writing project, or preparing an economic impact study. We’re hopeful that these events and classes will provide the basis for a new vision for the riverfront once the current plan expires in 2012.
Unfortunately…
The city of Eugene issued a building permit for the UofO to begin construction of the parking lot for proposed ORI building. Connecting Eugene responded by filing a lawsuit on grounds that the proposed building is in violation of the approved master plan. We have been saying this for a year and a half, but we have only now been able to bring these substantive, site-specific issues to court.
An alternative:
There’s no need to build next to the river! The picture below shows a 3.7 acre parcel of buildable land in the Research Park right next door to ORI’s current location and away from the river. It’s designated for construction and could accommodate a new building without the added cost of extending the road and utilities a third of a mile to the riverfront. A win/win solution is possible.
Want to go on a walk?
Join us for a walking tour of the riverfront this Saturday, March 5 at 2:30pm as part of the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference. We will meet in the lobby of the law school at the corner of 15th and Agate Street and walk (rain or shine) to the river on paved surfaces.
Want to Help?
We are seeking donations to help cover legal costs. Please contact us if you would like to contribute or volunteer.
Thank you for your support
