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August 12,2005 Johnny Medlin • • City of Eugene • Public Works,Parks and Open Space 1820 Roosevelt` Eugene, Oregon 97402-4159 Dear Mr. Medlin: The University Small Business Association(USBA), in partnership with the University of Oregon,Peace Health, and the Eugene Police, has spent substantial time and money to:create.a vibrant and inviting • neighborhood in which visitors andregulars in our community feel safe. This has not always been the case.. One of the steps that helped to reduce crime and antisocial behavior in our neighborhood was the unfortunate • ..closing.of West University Park. While it is true that."things are different now,"we feel that the problems are still very close and thereopening of the park could have the effect•of encouraging the same problems to return. • . . . We recognize that parks are a desirable part of our community and they do help define Eugene's quality of life.. However, when their abuse by criminal activity prevents quality use by the neighborhood, the parks • , • become part of the problem, not a part of the solution. We recognizethat the West University Neighbors, which we are a part of,have placed the reopening of the park as their highest priority. While a commendable goal,we feel that in its present configuration the park is• doomed to fail again resulting in a loss of quality of life for our neighborhood that would be difficult and expensive to regain. .Witness the$360,000 expense recently approved by the City Council to save the parks in the Whiteaker neighborhood. The USBA, in partnershipwith other organizations,has spent substantial time and money to regain this neighborhood, and we remain committed to this goal. ;We don't want tp go through this again. For this reason,we would oppose the reopening of the park in its present configuration. • However,with thefollowing changes we feel that the park would stand a much greater chance of success, and we could lend our.support to the West University Neighbors board if: • .1 The park were realigned in the land swap currently being considered, bordered by two.streets. . 2: The park were bordered with quality housing,-sited'so•that the park would serve as a `front • yard, " encouraging legal and,appropriate use. • • • We hope that an upgraded West University Park would have a positive affect onour neighborhood, and we urge the City of Eugene to take thoughtful steps in the reopening of the park. • Respectfully, • Alancy Smith • cc: Mayor and City Council of Eugene. • :• • . ,. University Small Business Association • c/o Smith Family Bookstore;Inc 768E 13t Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97401 • 541-345-1651 •