Press Room

Arlie & Company Makes Eugene History With First PUD Approval for Urban Village

EUGENE, Oregon -- A landmark event in Eugene’s history occurred on June 4, 2004 with the approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) contract between the City of Eugene and Arlie & Company.

The approval of PUD requires the developer to present the plans for the construction buildings and infrastructure showing the details of the planned density of housing, commercial and retail structures, and office space.

Led by Arlie & Company Development Director Larry E. Reed, the process involved a number of people interested in the success of the ‘new urbanism’ concept in the local community.

"This was a truly collaborative process," says Reed. "We were pleased to have the city assign us Teresa Bishow, a planner who understands mixed-use development, and who was instrumental in helping us to clearly present our needs and concerns to other reviewing agencies."

"We all learned from each other along the way - it was such a positive experience for us. Where previously we had viewed the process with skepticism, we now would not hesitate to use the process again to build similar developments."

PUD’s, says Reed, are generally viewed by developers as long and contentious processes. He says this process went quickly, given the state-mandated timelines.

Scott Diehl, Chief Operating Officer of Arlie & Company, says that the significance of this contract goes beyond its being the first of its kind in this area.

"The process of obtaining approval for this type of development can often involve public objections and appeals, which will slow the process. In this case, there weren’t any. That’s because we truly believe that if you’re going to build something of this size, you will have an impact on the surrounding neighborhoods, so you’re obligated to talk with and listen to the community about it.

"That’s what we did. We met with the surrounding neighbors, explained the concept, listened to their ideas. We learned a great deal from this process and incorporated it into our design. Make the neighbors a part of the process to help define your project. That’s key."

The project has the support of stakeholders and neighbors, and that makes an important difference, says Diehl.

Further, he says, “This development is very timely. We find ourselves in a situation where the limited capacity of our current transportation and infrastructure systems tells us we have to create areas to live in where people can get the goods and services they need without having to travel to them, adding to the traffic congestion”.

"PUD approval means we can go ahead with doing just that, and we’ll help keep this community a great place to live."

Arlie & Company is developing Crescent Village with a commitment to meticulous planning, environmental stewardship, creative partnerships, integrity and attention to detail.