Laurel Hill Valley Citizens Newsletter

Neighborhood Elections

by Jan Wostmann

At the upcoming neighborhood general meeting, Laurel Hill Valley Citizens will elect new officers for the neighborhood. It has been our tradition to have two co-chairs, but to replace only one of them at each election to provide some continuity for our association. Jake Bradshaw became a co-chair at the last election, and has graciously agreed to be a candidate for re-election. Betty Hemmingsen, who is currently our Secretary/Treasurer has agreed to be a candidate as well. Additional candidates can be nominated at the general meeting, or by contacting any member of the Executive Committee. We also usually have several vice-chair, who agree to assist the co-chairs as needed in keeping up with their growing list of responsibilities. So far we have three candidates, David Kelly, Caroline Cox, and Jan Wostmann. Again, nominations are still open. Rich Hazel has agreed to be a candidate for the post of Secretary. No candidates yet for Treasurer, but this job can be done by one of the vice-chairs if need be. Kathleen Colson, who has recently taken over the job of newsletter editor, is willing to continue, if re-elected.

The responsibility of making decision for the neighborhood lies with the LHVC Executive Committee. It generally meeting four times a year to plan the agenda for the general meetings, to decide which articles will appear in the newsletter, and to deal with other neighborhood business. There are an unlimited number of positions available, and the only commitment is to attend at least two out of the four meetings each year of the two year term. The list of candidates is still being filled as of press time. Please consider volunteering for a spot on the Executive Committee. All you need to do to become a candidate is raise your hand when we ask for new members at the upcoming general meeting.

Our sincere thanks go to every one who has contributed in any capacity during the past two years toward making this one of the best neighborhoods in Eugene.

LTD Asks for
Neighborhood Ideas

by Will Mueller, LTD

LTD is conducting an East-West Pilot Corridor Study to determine if Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a feasible transportation alternative for our community. In partnership with the cities of Eugene and Springfield, Lane County, and ODOT, a pilot east/west corridor was chosen. Phase I of the pilot corridor extends from Eugene Station to downtown Springfield. LTD is now conducting an environmental assessment on the downtown-to-downtown segment, with final approval of the partner agencies expected this summer. Assuming final approval, BRT service on Phase I could begin as early as fall of 2001.

An important component of BRT service is the provision of excellent bus connector service linking neighborhoods to the main corridor and other important destinations. Key elements include: small, alternatively-fueled vehicles and routes which provide convenient service to schools, shopping destinations, and other activity centers. LTD staff met with members of the Laurel Hill Valley Executive Committee in December to develop seed ideas for such connector service for the Laurel Hill Valley. LTD staff will attend the February 17th general meeting to present these concepts and solicit further input from neighborhood members. For more information, contact Will Mueller at 682-6134.

Laurel Hill Park Update

by Kathleen Colson

At our Fall general meeting, Eugene Park Maintenance staff presented their plans for renovating our park and accepted neighborhood comment.

The two options we explored at the meeting related to different playground locations, one centered around the existing mushroom shelter, the other more focused towards the giant redwood trees, in the southwest corner of the park. The Redwood Option was the city’s original proposal, but in response to our concerns, the Mushroom Option was developed for comparison at the meeting.

After reviewing the options, the city determined that the Redwood Option, would not pose any unreasonable impact to the adjoining neighbors and that the Mushroom Option would not offer much alleviation of the perceived impacts. The Redwood Option was chosen as the design to be implemented to allow maximization of the park budget for park amenities while offering a unique and quality play experience.

The city will be working with the City’s Urban Forester and following the City tree protection standards prior to and during construction, to ensure the long term well- being and protection of the trees. The city will continue to work with the neighborhood to refine the details of the plan. For further information, contact Carolyn Weiss at 682-4800.

Crime Prevention

by Betty Hemmingsen

While we don’t like to believe it, criminal activity is a harsh reality in the Laurel Hill Valley. If you’ve been recently affected, you might think this is something new, but actually our little neighborhood has experienced continuing crime problems for at least eight years. These include home and car burglaries, vandalism, graffiti, and thefts of cars, bikes, mail and even license plates.

Prevention is important, and an equally crucial aspect of the situation is communication! First of all, you should report every crime to the Police Department. These crime statistics will accumulate over time, and potentially offer us better and more frequent police protection. The simplest help you can offer is to talk about crime. If you have been burglarized, inform your immediate neighbors - tell the whole community. Put up ALERT signs on the bulletin boards, along the street. If criminals know that we are watching for them, they may be less likely to strike here. This is where the "Neighborhood Watch" Program comes into the picture.

Neighborhood Watch works with small pockets of neighbors willing to get together to share concerns and heighten awareness. "Neighborhood Watch in Force" signs may be erected. Talk to your neighbors. For more information call the Neighborhood Watch Program, Community Services Officer, Harlow Meno, 682-5137.

• Lock doors, windows, and garages.
• Trim back shrubs and trees away from entrances.
• Don’t "hide" keys in common places.
• During vacations find a housesitter, or have a neighbor pick up your mail and paper and turn some lights on and off.
• Use outside lights at night (but please make sure they are not shining into your neighbors’ windows.)
• Mark or engrave valuable items.
• Don’t mail checks or receive new checks through your street mailbox.
• Don’t leave checks in car glove compartments.
• Don’t hesitate to immediately report suspicious activity to the police. Do be aware.

For more information on crime prevention and safety, Block Homes or Neighborhood Watch, explore www.ci.eugene.or.us/DPS/police/police.htm.

LUBA Appeal Filed Against
Son Blaze Village Decision

by Jake Bradshaw

The Eugene Planning Commission approved, with modifications, the Hearings Officials decision on the Son Blaze Village tentative PUD application On November 15, 1999. In response, the Laurel Hill Valley Citizens are appealing the Son Blaze Village development to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) at the State level. The law firm of Bahr and Stotter will be presenting our case to LUBA. ODOT and Star Mart/Denny’s will also be appealing the decision to LUBA. Our hope is that LUBA will overturn the decision or remand it back to the Planning Commission. However, approval of the tentative PUD is a final decision at the local level. This means that the developer can move forward and file a final PUD application, but no site disturbance is allowed at this point.

The LUBA appeal will take at least several months primarily due to the case load that exists. This appeal is expensive because we must have attorneys present our case at this level. Contributions are welcome! You can send donations payable to: Laurel Hill Valley Citizens c/o Jake Bradshaw at 2663 Moon Mt Drive or contact an Executive Committee member. Thanks go out to those of you who have sent in generous contributions! We will keep you posted on any new developments.

What’s Up at NYC?

by Kathleen Colson

This winter, NYC will begin an afterschool program entitled YouthWorks, AfterHours. This program will serve 12-17 year olds Monday thru Thursday, 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. To assist in making this program happen, in December, we were joined by five new AmeriCorps, "Helping Youth Learn" members.

In January, our OutDoor School Alternative High School program graduated 10 youth. OutDoor School students will be doing a presentation at the neighborhood’s next general meeting to share information about NYC’s OutDoor School Alternative High School program, we hope that you can attend!

In April, NYC’s YouthCorps programs will begin the year with our Spring Conservation Corps program. Youth will be spending the night on April 15th, and May 20th.

The Emerald Valley Special Olympics are using the NYC gymnasium for basketball and volleyball practice in the evenings, thus you may see more folks at the bus stop at night.

Community Plots are now available in the garden. Limited 4’ x 25’ plots are available on a first come, first serve basis. The garden folks have also established Oyster Mushroom gardens, that can be grown at home. To receive information and a sign-up form for a community garden plot or oyster mushroom growing information, call 349-5055 ext. 241. Also, Garden volunteers are always welcome to help with resources and garden activities!

If you have neighborhood concerns or would like more information about NYC, call Kathleen Colson, NYC’s neighborhood community liason, at 349-7503.

Letter to the Editor:

I recently introduced two sheep into my pasture at 2525 Floral Hill Drive. Please announce this in the next newsletter,with a polite request that residents not let their dogs roam. (Sadly, past experience has taught me that Friendly Fido will chase sheep, and even kill them, especially when he gets in bad company.) Folks who like sheep should feel free to offer them vegies and to pet them (if they become tame as a result of living in this friendly Valley).

Many thanks,
Frank Stahl

Comments, Letters to the Editor, and news articles are welcome. Send them to Laurel Hill Valley Citizens