The West University Neighborhood Forum met Tuesday night, with more than 60 area residents, property owners and business owners coming together to address neighborhood issues with city officials and enforcement officers. While the event covered four major areas of concern, education and communication were the main topics of input among attendees and presenters.
“I’m excited,” Assistant City Manager Jim Croteau said toward the end of the event. “And not only with the numbers, but with the level of interest.”
A table was designated for each of the areas of concern — neighborhood building; neighborhood housing; alcohol prevention education; and crime, enforcement and sanctions — determined by the West University Task Force.
During the open house at 5 p.m., attendees trickled in while officials, officers and community members chatted over Pegasus Pizza and soda provided for the occasion.
At about 5:30 p.m., University Associate Vice President of Institutional Affairs Jan Oliver announced the first discussion session and encouraged attendees to make time to visit each table.
Croteau led the neighborhood housing table and took a broader look at demographics and the current condition of the community. He addressed concerns regarding apartment building development in people’s “backyards” and the dramatically low number — less than one percent — of property owners who live in the area.
Neighborhood program manager Richie Weinman headed discussion at the neighborhood building table, which addressed the tasks of establishing a neighborhood association, increasing the owner-occupied ratio and promoting ongoing cleaning efforts in the area. University student and West University Task Force member Jackie Reed has been coordinating a neighborhood clean-up day — set for May 10 — to address the issues of property maintenance and area appeal. Reed said she was glad to see such a high volume of ideas generated at the forum.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Reed said. “But to see so many people talk about a neighborhood they love is great.”
Associate Director of Student Life Sheryl Eyster managed the alcohol prevention education table, which focused on better communication with student residents in the neighborhood. Eyster also mentioned the fact that prevention is not exclusive to alcohol, adding that substance abuse and addiction significantly affect local crime and safety.
At the crime, enforcement and sanctions table, discussion topics included the expressed need for a police bike patrol, the migration of greek parties to private property and how party hosts are treated when they call the Eugene Police Department. Oregon Liquor Control Commission officer Pete O’Rourke said authorities will continue monitoring the registration of kegs and other measures to ensure safe partying while trying to implement better education efforts.
“Kids are going to be kids,” he said, “but we need to get the information to them on what the consequences are.”
The forum came to a close at about 7:15 p.m.
“I think the diversity was a success,” Oliver said. “We had people from all different interests who were all focused on this one area.”