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Et-m(0 2 <br /> QA :5 IA - D <br /> o - vcs eovlse <br /> October 15, 1996 <br /> Elisabeth Walton Potter <br /> National Register Coordinator <br /> Oregon State Historic Preservation Office <br /> 1115 Commercial Street N.E. <br /> Salem, Oregon 97310 <br /> Dear Ms. Potter, <br /> Our office is in receipt of your letter dated October 8, 1996 which articulates your concern about <br /> placing a temporary toilet building prominently along Blair Boulevard, close to the West 5th <br /> Avenue entrance to the Blair Boulevard Historic Commercial Area. This letter will attempt to <br /> answer some of your questions and justify the immediate action. <br /> For about a year Scobert Park, which is part of the historic district, has been subjected to misuse <br /> by individuals who are involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, assault and other crimes to the <br /> individual. On a lesser note the park has served as a refuge for people who have been <br /> temporarily homeless, or in a transitional state. Because there are no permanent toilet facilities <br /> in the park unacceptable alternatives have occurred which have had a negative impact on the <br /> under -story and plant collection which is certainly part of the character of this small gardenesque <br /> public park, producing a negative response by park users including women, children and <br /> families. <br /> Currently the park is closed to the public, with the perimeter vegetation fenced from use. A staff <br /> team has recently been formed to work with a 17- member Department Advisory Committee <br /> which will be working together to develop a positive solution for the future of Scobert Park, and <br /> other social issues that are affecting the historic district, and the Whiteaker Neighborhood as a <br /> whole. <br /> Other sites were discussed for the placement of the portable toilet, which has the advantage of <br /> being disabled accessible, but Mr. Tom Musselwhite of Project Recover, an informed social <br /> service provider in Eugene, offered the current location as a temporary solution for those in need. <br /> Portable toilets have also been placed at the comer of 2nd and Chambers, in the vicinity of the <br /> Eugene Mission and at 2nd and Lincoln, also in the Whiteaker neighborhood. <br /> The social issues mentioned above are having a negative impact on the integrity of the district, in <br /> that litter is becoming more common, and certain property owners are considering fencing <br /> alternatives to increase their feeling of personal security. I am one of many staff who will be <br /> working with the DAC in the months ahead to arrive at a solution for the park, which will <br /> hopefully be amenable to all the diverse interest groups. <br />