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MEMORANDUM <br /> December 6, 1993 <br /> To: Dick Morgan, Department of Public Works <br /> From: Kenneth W. Saxon III - Department of Public Safety I( " ' <br /> SUBJECT: WEST UNIVERSITY PARK <br /> I am a police officer with the City of Eugene and am the community police officer assigned <br /> to the business and residential area west of the University of Oregon. I have had this <br /> assignment since September 1990. During this time I've patrolled the West University Park <br /> daily. <br /> Working with the West University Neighbors Association, much discussion has been <br /> generated about this park. It is not used by the neighborhood. In the months of July and <br /> August 1993, ninety arrest/citation incidents occurred in the park. It is the sanctuary for <br /> illegal activities, including drug transactions, alcohol violations, assaults, dogs at large, <br /> urinating/defecating, and outstanding warrants. During those mentioned months, 100+ <br /> people daily used the park. <br /> Addressing this problem, it was noted that the covered picnic area and the covered lattice <br /> areas along the west side of the park are where most of the people congregate. During the <br /> daylight hours the west side is often dark and hard to see from the street. The covered <br /> shelter area is elevated above the grass area of the park, which causes problems trying to see <br /> into the park. The foliage and planter east of the covered shelter area also causes visibility <br /> problems into the park. From a law enforcement viewpoint, this park is impossible to police <br /> without actually walking into the area. Consequently, the above-mentioned activities <br /> flourish. <br /> The West University Neighbors and I have experimented with adding portable toilets and <br /> planning neighborhood events to make the park more usable by the community. Due to the <br /> chronic crime problems which occur in the park, the neighbors will no longer use the area. <br /> Via the conversation we had last month, I am requesting the covered shelter area, picnic <br /> tables, foliage east of the shelter, and covered area on the west side of the park be removed. <br /> This will eliminate the feeling of safety by those who commit illegal acts in this park. <br /> Attached are letters from the West University Neighbors and University West Small Business <br /> Association, I have also attached photographs of the park. I would like to meet with you to <br /> show you specifically what structures and landscaping I am requesting be removed. <br />