Council Hears Applicant Support for Willackenzie Area Plan Text Amendment, Deliberations Set for March 9

The Eugene City Council opened a public hearing Feb. 17 on an ordinance to amend the Willackenzie area plan text and rezone three properties along the east side of Coburg Road from C‑1 (neighborhood commercial) to C‑2 (community commercial). The applicant said the request would broaden allowable uses on parcels already designated commercial and align the zoning with nearby development.

Kim O'Day, representing the applicant and Metro Planning, told the council she supported the staff report and the findings in the agenda packet and was available to answer questions. "We're not asking to change the designation; we're just looking for a zoning district with a little bit broader uses," O'Day said. She said the proposed C‑2 zoning would allow uses consistent with nearby properties and make sites more developable.

No members of the public signed up to speak on the item, staff said, and the council president closed the hearing and, with no objection, closed the public record for the applications. The council's role is quasi‑judicial for this matter and it may approve, approve with modifications, or deny the applications. Deliberations and possible action are scheduled for March 9, 2026.

The ordinance is framed as two concurrent land‑use applications: a zone change and a refinement plan amendment to the Willackenzie area plan text that would clarify the land‑use designation for the identified parcels. The applicable approval criteria are in Eugene Code sections 9.8424, 9.8865 and 9.8725, and the staff packet includes findings related to those sections.

For those who want to receive future notices or submit written testimony, staff asked that names and mailing addresses be provided using the contact information in the agenda item summary.