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March 31, 1999 Mr. George Russell Superintendent of Schools 200 North Monroe Eugene, Oregon 97402 RE: Proposed Multi -Use Stadium at Sheldon High School Dear Mr. Russell: This is long and I apologize for that. However, this details my thoughts, concerns and reasons for opposing four multi -use stadiums and especially one at Sheldon. I appreciate your time to hear me. If you take the Sheldon field out of the context of the surrounding neighborhood, there is physical space available to construct a stadium as envisioned, complete with supporting structures. If, however, you add the neighboring homeowners, the area available is too small: 1. Property values will drop for some — specifically homeowners on Jeppesen Acres Road — a minimum of 10 %, according to a realtor I have consulted. 2. Regardless of the very best effort, there is absolutely no way the noise of 1000 to 2000 energetic, excited spectators plus a competing sound system can be lessened to a livable level. If the stadium is used as frequently as is planned — 4J, Kidsports, AYSO, private ventures — adjacent homeowners will know little peace. 3. Despite approximately 560 spaces available at Sheldon High School, the Sheldon Community Center, and Meadowlark Elementary School, the great majority of participants will park on Norwood and those adjacent streets as well as on the west end of Jeppesen Acres Road, which is unimproved and poorly lighted. Additionally, no "spoke" streets attach to or bisect Jeppesen Acres Road to the west of Providence Street to Gilliam Road. Where possible — specifically 2250 and 2270 Jeppesen Acres Road (my address) — I'm confident fans will attempt access to the stadium through yards, which means expense incurred by the property owner for fencing, required only because of the stadium. Street improvements on Jeppesen Acres Road will be required, with no hope whatsoever of the homeowners affected being able to convince the City otherwise. We already — and for the 22 years I have lived here — have a very serious speed problem, and improving the street will only make it worse. Signs and promises are only as good as their enforcement. 4. The property owners surrounding the Sheldon field already are doing their fair share of supporting use of the area: spring and fall track meets; spring, summer and fall soccer; tennis courts available to anyone until late in the evening; the Sheldon baseball field adjacent to Norwood used very often from spring to fall and late into the evening; the small ball fields near Meadowlark and adjacent to Willakenzie. Currently, there are no restroom facilities available for soccer events and I've seen participants relieve themselves in my neighbor's trees. I've had bored children playing frisbee in my backyard.