[Originally published in the OTHER paper, Eugene, Oregon in September, 1996]

On December 22, 1995, Friends of Eugene attorney Dave Bahr appeared before the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) to request a stay of Hyundai's groundbreaking permit until the group's land use appeal could be heard. The City classified Hyundai as "Special Light Industrial", and suitable for the Willow Creek wetland site.

Friends of Eugene contends that the proposed factory fits the description of "heavy industrial" because of its heavy environmental impact and use of toxic substances. LUBA denied the stay, and the appeal was not heard until July 9, 1996. The judges promised to render a decision by August 27. On August 27, Bahr was informed the decision would be forthcoming on August 29. On August 30, the decision was put off until October 11.