IMPORTANT: Effective comments for Marriott parking, 6/5 public hearing

[K A]

Hi friends who care about intelligent and beneficial land use and safer transportation,

I took a look at the previous comments for the proposed hotel parking lot (within the public hearing packet  PC 06-05-2024 Packet (36 MB) ).

It is encouraging to see so many people opposed to tearing down a building which has hosted a locally owned business supporting our downtown.  However, the letters are not as effective as they could be.  Saying "It's bad for pedestrians and our downtown" doesn't hold any weight unless you can link it to code requirements.

To actually hold legal weight, testimony (whether you sign up to speak at the hearing or rely on your written letter) should state the section of code that is not met by the application.  Look at the staff report and see which sections you can argue with.

I know it's a real hassle to read through the staff report and, unlike the companies involved, we're not getting paid a dime.  I plan to send you all my letter tomorrow – you are welcome to copy any ideas you like.  Likewise, if any of you find sections we can argue with, please let others know.   : )

See this example testimony stating the code section and that it's not met:

"Section 4.2.80- Site Lighting" clearly requires in (d): "Light sources (lamps, light bulbs, LEDs, etc.) must be enclosed within a full cut-off fixture. The fixture must incorporate a translucent lens and/or be fully shielded."

However, on page 159 of the 210 page hearing packet the applicant states they will choose a model that has only 50% of upward light redirected!  This is a clear violation of the code and causes unnecessary light pollution, to the detriment of us seeing stars in the night sky and hurting birds that migrate at night.  Page 164 shows the manufacturer does offer a full cover option.  Therefore, I request the following Condition of Approval to be implemented at the time of construction permit review:  "All light fixtures shall comply with 4.2.80 and be enclosed within a full cut-off fixture.  The fixture must incorporate a translucent lens and/or be fully shielded.  The applicant's proposed light fixture does not meet this criterion."

Please note that if this parking lot gets approved, in order for any requirement to be legally binding, it must be stated as a "Condition of Approval."  Therefore, it is appropriate to request that.

Thank you,

Kris Anderson

Written testimony must be submitted by noon Wednesday, 6/5 at https://forms.corvallisoregon.gov/Forms/MeetingRegistration

If you'd like to speak, registration is due at noon  https://forms.corvallisoregon.gov/Forms/MeetingRegistration

If you want to support by only watching: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FHBxCdSoSOeZ8fHJVzvk0w

[K A]

Attached is a pdf with some ideas.  I think bringing up the fact that this single-level parking lot violates the Comprehensive Plan might be the most effective argument.  Regardless, even if you don't want to send in a comment (due at 12 today) or sign up to speak (due at 12), attending the 6:30 public hearing (link below, any time) shows that you think this is important.

Thank you,

: )

Kris

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From: sustainable-corval...@googlegroups.com <sustainable-corval...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of K A <lady_sn...@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 5:13 PM
To: sustainable-corval...@googlegroups.com <sustainable-corval...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: IMPORTANT: Effective comments for Marriott parking, 6/5 public hearing