20-360 | Alton Baker Park

Measure 20-360: repeal constraints on how Alton Baker Park is developed; the county no longer owns Alton Baker Park

Official title: Repeal of Section 33 of Lane County Charter

Financial impact:
The measure would repeal Section 33 of the Lane County Charter which imposes restrictions on the use and development of East Alton Baker Park. Because Lane County sold the land to the City of Eugene and no longer owns the property, there would be no financial consequences by repealing restrictions on the property Probable

Results of a “Yes’ ‘ vote: Section 33 would be removed from the Charter. Probable

Results of a “No” vote: Section 33 would remain in the Charter.

Background:
Lane County government operates under a home rule charter approved by voters in 1962. In 2010, Lane County voters approved an amendment to the Charter directing the Board of Commissioners to convene a Charter Review Committee (CRC) for the purpose of reviewing and recommending changes or updates to the existing charter every ten years. The CRC is comprised of seven members. Each Commissioner appoints one member to the CRC, and those appointees nominate additional individuals to fill two at large positions to be appointed by the Board. The current CRC completed its work in October 2023 and presented a final report to the Board in October 2023. The Board held a work session and several public hearings. There were three sections of the Charter that were recommended for repeal because they were out of date. This section was included in the charter when Lane County owned East Alton Baker Park and refers to restrictions on the use and development of East Alton Baker Park. It was sold to the City of Eugene in 1993 following the passage of ballot measure 20-01 in 1992.

Proposal:
The proposed amendment would repeal Section 33 of the Lane County Charter, which imposes restrictions on the use and development of East Alton Baker Park. Lane County no longer owns the land constituting East Alton Baker Park as it was sold to the City of Eugene.

Supporters say: this provision serves little purpose for the county because the county no longer owns the land. In addition, since East Alton Baker Park is now within the Urban Growth Boundary, its potential developable land may benefit from greater flexibility governing its use.

Opponents say: that the value of Section 33 would be as a historical artifact.