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10/12/95 13:07 '503 691 6826 EUG PUBLIC WORKS . •-' MAINTENANCE [ ]002/003 Cury RECEIVEb D 1 CI 1 MANAGE� O \J OCT 9 1995 X X El of o0 October 3, 1995 o c) � Q , 1 U 1 Tim Laue ¢ C) Eugene City Council City Hall 777 Pearl Street Eugene, OR 97401 Dear Tim, As residents of the neighborhood adjoining Morse Ranch, we are compelled to write you concerning the situation and conditions of the east pasture "dog park." Some years ago, when this area was established for dog owners to allow their pets to exercise and defecate, the city painted yellow curbs and printed parking advisory signs directing car-driving dog owners to the ample, convenient Morse Ranch parking lot. Initially, many dog owners observed the instructions posted at the gate at the east edge of the pasture or, if not, observed the yellow curbing and other common-sense traffic rules. This is no longer the case. Over time, increasing numbers of car-driving dog owners apparently have found the parking lot too long a walk for exercising their dogs and now use Lincoln Street as their parking area. Hence, on weekday afternoons and all day Saturdays and Sundays, cars are lining the 3100-3200 block of Lincoln Street. Drivers are not only ignoring the yellow curbing but also are ignoring common courtesy and regulations with regard to traffic flows. And increased traffic flows are presenting safety risks and frayed nerves for area residents: anxious dogs leaping out of cars into traffic, larger numbers of autos and pedestrians on a street not designed for the type of congestion now occurring create hazards that are totally unnecessary in a residential neighborhood. However, autos are only part of the problem. The "dog park, " no doubt, is pleasant for the pets who use it. But what of the homeowners, i .e. , humans, who reside near the ranch. The dogs run free; unfortunately, they are doing it very early in the morning and late at night. "No problem," some would say. That's because they choose to be there early or late with their pets while the people who are having their rest disturbed find it a problem. A big problem. The before-dawn or after-dark dog howls and barks, dog-owner noises (conversations, car doors slamming, car engines cranking, sputtering, etc.) , and increased litter are the sorts of things that just didn't go on in the neighborhood before the dog owners got their exercise and defecation area. It is obvious that the "dog park" is successful for those who use it. However, the nearby residents, in particular the homeowners whose properties face the pasture;—have seen the quality of their home life seriously diminished. The unwanted intrusions and noise and litter are not experienced by people who live near, say, the Amazon "dog park." We feel that if pet owners wish to exercise their dogs at the Morse Ranch, the exercise should begin at the established parking lot, not at the front doors of the homeowners who live nearby.