Leaders of Portland’s largest service enhancement district told Multnomah County Chairwoman Jessica Vega Pederson that the district’s security team and janitorial staff will be needed to manage the impact of the Coordinated Care Pathway Center on Southeast Sandy Boulevard. He warned that there are no plans to deploy
The building, formerly known as the Deflection Center, serves as a reception facility for people arrested for drug possession who choose to seek treatment and avoid incarceration. The facility was scheduled to open Sept. 1, when police resumed arrests on possession charges under a new law Congress enacted in House Bill 4002, which repealed much of Bill 110.
Vega Pederson ordered the center to open even though the county and a committee of local residents and businesses had not reached a “good neighbor” agreement that would guarantee the center could operate there. The committee is concerned that people arrested across the city will arrive at the center and then be released in neighborhoods with no other way to go.
“Following last week’s announcement that the Deflection Center will open without a Good Neighbor Agreement,” Central Eastside Together Executive Director Caroline Holcomb wrote in a Monday letter to Vega Pederson. We are writing this letter to clarify our expectations regarding the availability of our enhanced service team.” “Since our first meeting with county staff on July 23rd, the GNA Committee has spent over 80 hours working with your teams to establish this agreement. Despite our efforts, You were prevented from meaningful discussion with the HB 4002 leadership team and you did not attend any meetings.”
A spokesperson for Vega Pederson said the chair appointed Commissioner Sharon Maylan to represent the county commission at the Good Neighbor Agreement meeting. “The Speaker’s senior staff, including policy advisors on House Bill 4002, attend every GNA meeting,” added spokeswoman Sarah Guest.
Mayeran and city council candidate Vadim Mozyrskyi held a press conference in front of the Pathways Center today, accusing them of “ignoring” neighbors’ concerns about the impact. “All parties are betting on the success of the Deflection Center, which, if run properly, can help people suffering from drug addiction,” Meylan and Mozyrski said in a statement. “But it is difficult to see how success can come from the current pattern of poor planning, poor implementation, and lack of community engagement.”
The press conference brought further attention to Holcomb’s warning.
In his letter, Holcomb complained that he requested a final safety plan for the area around the Pathways Center on Sept. 23 and received it on Sept. 27, adding that he received “notice that the center would be open without a permit. “We were given only five business days to provide recommendations.” agreement. “
“Given the lack of a precise plan to maintain clean and safe conditions around the deflection center, the county and its operators should not expect to rely on enhanced service providers.” Holcomb wrote. “Our services are specifically district-specific and we must maintain already limited resources. At your team’s request, we have collected quotes from providers. If you choose to make a financial investment during this period, we are open to discussing what an appropriate investment would be.
Portland has three enhanced service districts. In addition to the geographically largest location on the Inner Eastside, we have one downtown and one in the Lloyd District. Property owners within the district pay a fee to cover additional cleaning and security.
