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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madison Meadow?
How many people are involved in this?
What are the plans for the meadow?
How much are the property taxes?
How much is the liability insurance?
How many people are involved in this?
Wouldn't preserving that parcel of land put pressure
on the Urban Growth Boundary?
Aren’t there a lot of parks already in the neighborhood?
What happens if Madison Meadow dissolves?
Q: What is Madison Meadow?
A: Madison Meadow is the name of the non-profit, 501(c)(3), corporation
that was formed in November of 2003 to preserve the two acre historic,
remnant orchard and meadow at 22nd Avenue and Madison Street in Eugene, Oregon. Madison
Meadow is also the name of this two acre parcel. Neighbors who have
enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the meadow for decades formed
the corporation. The board and voting membership is open to anyone
who shares our vision of keeping the meadow as open space.
Q. How many people are involved in this?
A. Many! We have 12 members on the Board of Directors. Dozens of
people volunteered in many ways at a variety of public
events. Many people visited our tables at local events to make donations, signed up as volunteers and bought t-shirts. Out-of-state donations came from as far away as Germany and Holland. Local businesses put out collection jars and donated goods and services. This is a community effort with broad support. Community leaders, fundraisers and environmentalists give us advice and attend Board meetings.
Contact us if you want to get involved.
Q. What are the plans for the meadow?
A. The purchase option that we have with the current owner requires
that we keep the property as open space. The specific future design
of this open space will be up to the voting members of Madison Meadow.
The Board wants the neighborhood to be involved in landscaping
decisions. There are many great possibilities for the use of meadow. If you have ideas or want to participate in our planning sessions, please contact us.
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Q. How much are the property taxes?
A. As a nonprofit corporation we are exempt from
property taxes under Oregon Revised Statute 307.115.
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Q. How much is the liability insurance?
A. State law limits the liability on land that is held for public
benefit. Our liability insurance is $300 a year.
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Q. Wouldn't preserving that parcel of land
put pressure on the Urban Growth Boundary?
A. No. When the city does it’s periodic inventory of “shovel ready”
land, our 2- acre meadow is too small a parcel to be included in
their calculation. Pressure on the UGB is a concern for us. Infill
is happening in the historic neighborhoods of Eugene. As the population
density increases, open space and parks become more necessary to
maintain our quality of life and keep Eugene an attractive place
to live.
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Q. Aren’t there a lot of parks already
in the neighborhood?
A. The park system in Eugene is great, so much so that parks in
the Friendly neighborhood (Washington and Westmoreland) attract
people from all over the city – and outside of the city – to participate
in organized sports and cultural events. The meadow is a different
kind of open space. It’s an undeveloped neighborhood park where
children play in an unstructured way, and neighbors meet and talk
while walking their dogs. It links up with the alley that runs between
Jefferson and Monroe, creating a momentary escape into nature to
enjoy while biking or taking an evening stroll.
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Q. What happens if Madison Meadow dissolves?
A. Our bylaws require that in the case of dissolution, the assets
of the nonprofit be either passed to another nonprofit or to the
City of Eugene. Even if it is one day transferred, the meadow will
still have to remain open space.
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