HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.19.2024 - 2200 Ashland Street Ad Hoc Committee - Agenda Packet vans General Meeting Agenda
ASHLAND GENERAL
2200 ASHLAND STREET AD HOC COMMITTEE AGENDA
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
2200 Ashland Street
3:00-5:OOPM
I. CALL TO ORDER
1. Juneteenth Recognition
2. Agenda Review
II. Business
1. Committee Operations
a. Ashland Municipal Code, Section 3.08.020-Code of Ethics
b. Decision-Making
2. Minutes of June 5, 2024
3. Follow-Up Items
a. Code Requirements
b. Status of Severe Weather/Smoke Shelter Operations
c. Other Q&A
4. Committee Timeline
5. Neighborhood Concerns
6. Possible Community-focused Uses of the Property
III. Public Forum
IV. ADJOURNMENT
Committee Meeting Schedule— 1 st and 3rd Wednesdays of the Month —3:00-5:00 p.m. —2200 Ashland
St. July 3 and 17 August 7 and 21 September 4 and 18 October 2 and 16 November 19—
Recommendation to City Council
Page 1 of 1
Pagel of 36
3.08.020 Code of Ethics I Ashland Municipal Code Pagel of 7
Section 3.08.020
Code ofEthics
A. Declaration of Policy. The proper operation of democratic government requires that public
officials, including elected officials, appointed officials and employees be independent, impartial
and responsible to the people; that governmental decisions and policy be made in the proper
channels of the governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and
that the 'public have confidence in the integrity of its government. In recognition of these goals,
there is hereby established a Code of Ethics applicable to all public officials, whether paid or
unpaid, including members of Regular or ad hoc boards, commissions, or committees filled by
appointment by the Mayor or members of the City Council.
The purpose of this Code is to establish ethical standards of conduct for all public officials by
setting forth those acts or actions that are incompatible with the best interests of the City of
Ashland. It is also the purpose of this Code to assist public officials in determining the proper
course of action when faced with uncertainty regarding the propriety of a contemplated action,
thereby preventing them from unwittingly entangling public and private interests.
Through adoption of this Code the City hereby expresses its intent to maintain high ethical
standards in the City service, and to increase public confidence in the integrity of City public
officials.
The provisions of ORS 244("Government Ethics Law") as it currently exists or may from time to
time be amended are incorporated by reference herein. A violation of any provision of ORS 244
shall be considered a violation of this Code of Ethics.
B. Responsibilities of Public Office. Public officials are agents of public purpose and are engaged
for the benefit of the public. They are bound to uphold the Constitution of the United States
and the Constitution of this State and to carry out impartially the laws of the nation, state and
the City, and thus to foster respect for all government. They are bound to observe in their
official acts the highest standards of morality and to discharge faithfully the duties of their
office regardless of personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest must be their
primary concern.
C. Dedicated Service. All public officials of the City should work to support the political
objectives expressed by the electorate and the programs developed to attain those objectives.
Appointive Officials and employees should adhere to the rules of work and performance
established as the standard for their positions by the appropriate authority.
The Ashland Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3150, passed December 19, 2017.
Page 2 of 36
3.08.020 Code of Ethics I Ashland Municipal Code Page 2 of 7
Public officials should not exceed their authority or breach the law or ask others to do so, and
they should work in full cooperation with other public officials unless prohibited from so doing
by law or by officially recognized confidentiality of their work.
D. Fair and Equal Treatment.
1. Interest in Appointments. Canvassing of members of the Council or Mayor, directly or
indirectly, in order to obtain preferential consideration in connection with any appointment
to the City service shall disqualify the candidate for appointment except with reference to
unpaid positions filled by appointment by the Mayor or Council.
2. Use of Public Property. No public official shall request or permit the use of city-owned
vehicles, equipment, materials or property for personal convenience or profit, except when
such services are available to the public generally or are provided as municipal policy for
the use of such employee in the conduct of official business or as a specifically defined
benefit in compensation of employment.
3. Obligations to Citizens. No public official shall grant any special consideration, treatment
or advantage to any citizen beyond that which is available to every other citizen except as
otherwise permitted by law or ordinance.
E. Conflict of Interest.
1. Disclosure. No public official, whether paid or unpaid, shall take any action in the course
of his/her duties, the effect of which potentially or actually would be to the private financial
gain or loss of(a)the official, (b) any relative of the official or (c) those with whom the
official has a close business relationship, without first disclosing such potential or actual
gain or loss to the proper authority. Nor shall any public official, whether paid or unpaid,
engage in any business or participate in any proposed or current City transaction, contract,
purchase or sale which is potentially incompatible with the proper discharge of that public
official's official duties or which would tend to impair independence of judgment or action
in the performance of that public officials' official duties without first disclosing such
potential or actual incompatibility or impairment of independent judgment or action to the
proper authority. The requirements for such disclosure by elected and appointed officials
and the limits on their participation in discussion, debate, or voting on any issue out of
which an actual conflict arises shall be set forth in ORS 244.120(2), as it may be amended
from time to time and as it is interpreted by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.
For employees, such disclosure shall be made in writing to the employee's immediate
supervisor and Department Head. Any employee or appointed official who has a financial
or other private interest in a particular matter shall disclose the nature and extent of such
The Ashland Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3150, passed December 19, 2017.
Page 3 of 36
3.08.020 Code of Ethics I Ashland Municipal Code Page 3 of 7
interest on the records of the Council before participating in Council discussion on or giving
an official opinion to the Council on the matter.
2. Transactions with the City. A public official acting in an official capacity shall not
recommend, approve, award, enter into or authorize a City transaction, contract, purchase
or sale to which one of the parties is (a)the public official acting in his or her own behalf, (b)
a relative of the official or (c) a business entity in which the official or a relative of the
official has a substantial or controlling interest.
3. Gifts. No public official shall solicit or accept gifts, favors, services, compensation,
retainers or promises of future employment from a source with a legislative or
administrative interest in the performance of his/her official duties or in anticipation of
official action to be taken by the public official or by the City. For purposes of this provision,
"gift" means something of economic value given to a public official, a candidate or a relative
or member of the household of the public official. A public official may not accept a gift
from a source with a legislative or administrative interest in the public official's official
duties if the gift has a value in excess of$50 or smaller gifts from a single source with an
aggregate value exceeding $50 in the course of a calendar year. Gifts received by City
employees with a value of less than $50 shall, to the extent practical, be shared with other
City employees. Public officials may accept gifts with de minimis value, such as caps, coffee
mugs, pens and paperweights, and are not expected to share such gifts.
4. Remuneration Contingent on City Action. No public official shall accept a retainer or
compensation that is contingent upon a specific action by the City.
5. Disclosure of Confidential Information. No public official shall, without proper legal
authorization, disclose confidential information concerning the property, government or
affairs of the City that is confidential or not readily available to the public. Nor shall any
public official use information that is confidential or not readily available to the public to
benefit private interests, including the official's private interests, at the expense of or in
conflict with the public interest. Information that is public may not be readily available to
the public if a special request is required to obtain the information or if special knowledge,
such as that acquired as a public official, is needed to take advantage of the information.
6. Representing Private Interests before Courts or City Departments or Elected or Appointed
Bodies. No appointed official shall appear on behalf of a client for a fee or pro bono before
the board or commission to which that official is appointed. No employee whose salary is
paid in whole or in part by the City shall appear on behalf of private interests before any
department or elected or appointed body of the City. An employee shall not represent
The Ashland Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3150, passed December 19, 2017.
Page 4 of 36
3.08.020 Code of Ethics I Ashland Municipal Code Page 4 of 7
private interests in any action or proceeding against the interests of the City in any
litigation to which the City is a party, unless the employee is representing himself/herself as
a private citizen on purely personal business.
7. Incompatible Employment. No employee shall engage in or accept employment from or
render services for another person or entity when such employment or service is
incompatible with the proper discharge of that employee's official duties for the City or
would tend to impair independence of judgment or action in the performance of that
employee's official duties.
8. More Restrictive State Law Provisions. Nothing in this ordinance relieves or excuses public
officers and employees from compliance with more restrictive state laws applicable to the
particular public position. Planning Commissioners, for example, are subject to more
restrictive Conflict of Interest Provisions pursuant to ORS 244.135.
F. Political Activity. Employee involvement in certain political activities is protected under the
First Amendment. However, under Oregon and federal law, there are some restrictions on the
political activities of Oregon public employees. City employees are expected to be familiar with
and to comply with these laws as they currently exist or as amended.
Oregon law (ORS 260.432(2)) requires that: "No public employee shall solicit any money,
influence, service or other thing of value or to promote or oppose any political committee or to
promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the gathering of signatures on
an initiative, referendum or recall petition, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public
office holder while on the job during working hours. However, this section does not restrict the
right of a public employee to express personal political views."
The Hatch Act(federal law) further requires that employees whose principal job responsibilities
are financed in whole or in part from loans or grants made by the federal government may not
use their official influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election or a nomination for
office. An employee covered by the Act may not, either directly or indirectly, coerce or advise
another employee to contribute anything of value in any form whatsoever to any organization
or agency for political purposes.
The expression of personal political views while on the job during working hours is permitted
only to the extent that such expression does not interfere with the performance of the
employee's duties or performance of the duties of other employees. While on thejob, during
working hours, any comment or suggestion to fellow employees or the public to vote a certain
way is prohibited, even if it does not interfere with the performance of duties of the employee
or other employees. Politically related activities such as fundraising, soliciting volunteer help on
The Ashland Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3150, passed December 19, 2017.
Page 5 of 36
3.08.020 Code of Ethics I Ashland Municipal Code Page 5 of 7
political campaigns or disseminating partisan election material is prohibited while on the job
during working hours.
No public official shall promise an appointment to any municipal position as a reward for any
political activity.
G. Applicability of City Code of Ethics and State Ethics Law; Responsibility for Defense. This City
ethics code shall be operative in all instances covered by its provisions except when superseded
by an applicable statute, ordinance or resolution which is mandatory or when the application of
a statute, ordinance or resolution provision is discretionary but determined to be more
appropriate or desirable. Full compliance with the City code of ethics and with Oregon's
Government Ethics Law is the personal responsibility of each public official. The opinion of the
City Administrator, the City Attorney, or the Mayor shall not be considered an affirmative
defense if a public official is charged by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission with a
violation of state Ethics Law. Any public official accused of violating the state Ethics Law shall be
solely responsible for the costs of his or her defense before the Oregon Government Ethics
Commission. If the charges are dismissed or determined to be unfounded, the City Council, at
its sole discretion, may elect to reimburse a public official for some or all of the costs incurred
by the official.
1. Employees. When an employee has doubt as to the applicability of a provision of this
ethics code or the Government Ethics Law to a particular situation, the employee should
apply to the City Administrator, who is charged with the implementation of the City's ethics
code for an advisory opinion, and be guided by that opinion when given. The employee
shall have the opportunity to present his or her interpretation of the facts at issue and of
the applicable provision(s) of the ethics code or Government Ethics Law before such
advisory decision is made. All such requests for advice shall be treated as confidential. The
City Administrator may ask the City Attorney to provide an advisory opinion based upon
the facts presented, which opinion shall be subject to the attorney-client privilege.
2. Appointed and Elected Officials. When an appointed official or an elected official has
doubt as to the applicability of a provision of ethics code or state Ethics Law to a particular
situation, he or she may seek an advisory opinion from the City Attorney. If an appointed or
elected official requests advice on an ethics question about that official's actions or
potential actions, the opinion itself shall be subject to the attorney-client privilege and not
be disclosed to the Mayor, Council members, or anyone other than the requesting official
without the official's explicit approval.
The Ashland Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3150, passed December 19, 2017.
Page 6 of 36
3.08.020 Code of Ethics I Ashland Municipal Code Page 6 of 7
3. The opinion of the City Administrator or the City Attorney shall not be considered an
affirmative defense if a public official is charged by the Oregon Government Ethics
Commission with a violation of state Ethics Law.
H. Code of Ethics Definitions.
1. Employee - For the purposes of this section, "employee" shall mean one who is hired
and paid a wage or salary to work for the City other than elected or appointed officials.
2. Appointed Official - For the purposes of this section, "appointed official" shall mean a
person who is appointed to serve on one of the City's boards or commissions and shall also
mean the City Administrator and City Attorney.
3. Elected Official - For the purposes of this section, "elected official" shall mean one who is
elected by the registered voters of the City of Ashland to serve the City and shall include:
the Mayor, the City councilors, the City recorder, the municipal judge and the parks
commissioners.
4. Public Official - For purposes of this section, "public official" shall mean any employee,
appointed official or elected official.
5. Private Interests -The interests, including but not limited to financial interests, of
discrete individuals or entities, as distinct from the interests of the City as a whole or the
interests of its citizens in general.
6. Relative - (a)The spouse and any children, siblings, parents, or spouses of siblings or
parents of a public official; (b) any children, siblings, parents, or spouses of siblings or
parents of a public official' s spouse; (c) any individual for whom a public official has a legal
support obligation; or(d) any individual for whom a public official provides benefits arising
from the public official's public employment or from whom the public official receives
benefits arising from that individual's employment.
I. Municipal CourtJudge. Notwithstanding any other provision of this ordinance, the conduct of
the Municipal CourtJudge, an elected official, shall be governed by the Rules of Judicial Conduct
of the Oregon State Bar, including subsequently enacted amended, reordered, or renumbered
versions thereof, specifically incorporated herein and made a part hereof by this reference.
J. Sanctions. Violation of any provision of this section, determined after notice and an
opportunity to be heard, shall constitute cause for disciplinary action up to and including
termination for an employee, or removal from office of an appointed official. Discipline or
removal actions shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other City initiated sanction or
The Ashland Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3150, passed December 19, 2017.
Page 7 of 36
3.08.020 Code of Ethics I Ashland Municipal Code Page 7 of 7
penalty authorized by Title 1 of the Ashland Municipal Code. (Ord. 3138,amended,2017; Ord.3078,
amended, 11/20/2012;Ord.2943,amended, 10/16/2007)
The Ashland Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3150, passed December 19,
2017.
Disclaimer:The City Recorder's office has the official version of the Ashland Municipal Code.
Users should contact the City Recorder's office for ordinances passed subsequent to the
ordinance cited above.
City Website: www.ashland.or.us
City Telephone: (541)488-5307
Code Publishing Company
The Ashland Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3150, passed December 19, 2017.
Page 8 of 36
2200 Ashland St. Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee Charter
Mission
Create a long-term master plan for the building and surrounding property at 2200 Ashland
Street that aligns with contractual obligations, furthers the community's goals regarding
homeless services and affordable housing, and enhances the experience of the surrounding
neighborhood.
Identify the best use(s) of this City-owned property to further the goals identified by the
community and state funding partners.
City of Ashland Value Statements Supported by this Ad Hoc Committee
• Regional cooperation, including in support for public safety and homelessness
• Community affordability, including in available housing and childcare
• Belonging through mutual respect and openness, inclusion, and equity
• Quality of life that underpins the City's economic vibrancy
• Environmental resilience, including addressing climate change and ecosystem
conservation
Committee Charge
Discovery Phase: Develop a shared understanding of:
• current needs regarding homeless services, transitional housing, and affordable
housing related to regional efforts;
• current economic challenges related to workforce housing;
• existing conditions and challenges in the surrounding neighborhood;
• contractual obligations that must be met on the property;
• development limitations due to zoning or other land use regulations; and
• the City Council's commitment to climate change mitigation.
Options Development Phase: Investigate traditional and innovative solutions to the
challenges identified in the Discovery Phase.
• Identify viable use options for the property and configurations of those options
• Host two community engagement events - the first focused on possibilities for the site
and the second focused on feedback regarding the initial draft master plan and host
two online surveys through the City's website in conjunction with these events
• Develop a draft master plan
Page 9 of 36
Final Recommendation Phase: Finalize the draft master plan and present to Council for
approval
• Share draft master plan with the community and integrate feedback into final draft
• Present final master plan recommendations to City Council for consideration and
possible approval
Scope of Authority
The 2200 Ashland Street Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee will develop a proposed Master
Plan for the facility and site and deliver it to the Ashland City Council. It will follow all standard
public meetings and ethics regulations.
Membership
This ad hoc committee will be comprised of representatives from the following:
• Surrounding Neighborhood
o Representatives from the surrounding neighborhood will bring the perspective
of the site's neighbors related to both residential and commercial interests.
Neighborhood representatives will have voting privileges.
• Unhoused Community
o Representatives who have experienced homelessness will provide first-hand
knowledge of the lived experience of Ashland's unhoused residents and the
effectiveness of a variety of possible options for the site. Unhoused community
representatives will have voting privileges.
• Service Providers
o Representatives of local social service provider organizations will bring
programmatic expertise to the planning process as well as a clear
understanding of regional initiatives and how this property might address
specific needs. Service provider representatives will have voting privileges.
• City of Ashland
o The mayor and a councilor will facilitate the Ad Hoc Committee process with
assistance from staff. Representatives from the City will include subject matter
experts on homeless services, affordable housing, and building and fire code
regulations, as well as two councilors. City members will be non-voting.
Timeline
This ad hoc committee has six months from the date of its first meeting to develop its master
plan recommendation to Council, but earlier completion of the task is encouraged. It is
expected that the committee members will be confirmed by Council by the April 16, 2024
business meeting.
Page 10 of 36
Goals for the 2200 Ashland St. Property
Provide immediate safety during severe weather for Ashland residents who are
experiencing homelessness
• Support economic development and public art efforts that build, energize, and
beautify south Ashland, which welcomes visitors as a gateway to the city
Provide a pathway to long-term housing for Ashland residents who are
experiencing homelessness, possibly including immediate shelter
• Support wider community goals, such as emergency management, social equity
and racial justice, and climate action
Site Map
r
C _ �
f l♦
Vol
y
Interior Dimensions
Land SgFt Land Acres Total Finished Areas
52,272 sq. ft. 1.20 acres 5,333 sq. ft.
Page 11 of 36
2200 Ashland St. Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
June 5, 2024 Minutes
ATTENDANCE
Name Role 6/5/24
Matthew McMillan Member x
Rhonda Lee Member x
Maverick McCoy Member x
Bob Kaplan Non-voting Member x
Allison Wildman Member x
Jason Houck Member x
Rachel Jones Member x
Tonya Graham Non-voting Member x
Debbie Neisewander Member x
Wendy Tanner Member
Avram Sacks Member x
Gina DuQuenne Non-voting Member x
Trina Sanford Member x
Bob Altaras Member x
Ruth Coulthard Member x
Jan Calvin Facilitator x
Brandon Goldman Community Dev. Director x
Steven Matiaco Code Specialist x
David Runkel Public/Media x
I. CALL TO ORDER
1. Land Acknowledgement— Bob Kaplan read the City of Ashland's land
acknowledgement.
2. Agenda_Review—Jan Calvin provided an overview of the agenda, noting the intent to
accomplish the following at this meeting:
• To become grounded in our common purpose as a committee,
• To become familiar with this property,
• To gain a common understanding of the goals and limitations of this space
• To be clear about the process, and
• To begin identifying possible uses of the site
3. Business Protocols —Jan also provided an overview of the committee's business
protocols:
• Committee members will receive information by email and have the option to
request printed copies of materials. Please let Jan know if you would like to
get a printed copy, and she will arrange a location and time you can pick up
items prior to the meeting.
• Emails will be "blind copy"to prevent from accidentally responding to everyone
on the email, which would be a violation of public meeting law.
• As a City committee, all meetings are open to the public, and there will always
be up to 5 minutes for public comments (during "Public Forum"time). The
remainder of the meeting will include committee members and any invited
guests/presenters.
Page 12 of 36
II. NEW BUSINESS
1. The Purpose
a. Introductions— Each person introduced themselves.
b. Ad Hoc Committee Charter—Jan reviewed the group's written charter (attached).
c. Overarching Goals for the Property—The group reviewed the City Council's
overarching goals for the property. Jan noted that these goals provide a framework
or criteria/filter to guide the work. The goals are:
• Provide immediate safety during severe weather for Ashland residents who
are experiencing homelessness.
• Support economic development and public art efforts that build, energize,
and beautify south Ashland, which welcomes visitors as a gateway to the
city.
• Provide a pathway to long-term housing for Ashland residents who are
experiencing homelessness, possibly including immediate shelter.
• Support wider community goals, such as emergency management, social
equity and racial justice, and climate action.
2. The Property
a. Zoning and Building Codes — Brandon Goldman and Steven Matiaco from the
City of Ashland Community Development Department provided information about
the zoning and code-related limitations of the building and site, including:
• The property is zoned for commercial use, which means it can also be
used for affordable housing or mixed use, as commercial zoning is one of
the most flexible types of zoning.
• The building was originally built for office use, therefore does not have the
fire suppression system (sprinklers) or fire alarm system that would be
required for residential use.
• The building has adequate water for residential use, but likely not enough
restrooms, which depends on the number of occupants.
A number of questions were raised about code requirements (square feet per
person, ingress/egress, bathrooms, fire suppression, HVAC, parking, etc.) for
different uses, and the committee requested a simple chart to reference during
future discussions.
The group revisited the top goal (Provide immediate safety during severe weather
for Ashland residents who are experiencing homelessness) and asked if and how
this goal is being met this summer. The city did not receive any responses to a
Request for Proposals to operate the severe weather shelter and manage the
Night Lawn. It was suggested that each site/service be considered separately.
More information will be provided, as it is available.
The following chart was drawn to illustrate how the immediate use of the building,
the broader Homeless Services Masterplan work, and the task in front of the 2200
Ashland Street ad hoc committee fit together:
Page 13 of 36
Summery Fall Winter Spring Beyond
22 A *AshlandSt� {()� {()� O � • 0 O
Shelter d"'g fir` rJ fit„ rr�
Severe Weather/ � �„(V�J}
Smoke/Crisis
Aug.5
Study
Homeless Services Session < > < > < <
TBk TBA TBA TBA
Masterplan with
Council
2200 Ashland Street Community Site Plan to
Site Plan Design Input Finalize Council
t
0 Ashland St Detailed Specifications/Cost Projectionslity Upgrades Financing/Construction
New
2200
Ashland St.
Facility Use
b. Walking Tour— Committee members took a walking tour throughout the interior
of the building, as well as the exterior to view the full property. This was the first
site visit for most committee members. General impressions included being
pleased with the condition of the building, concerned about the unsightly weeds
around the building, and surprised at the amount of space to consider outside the
building.
3. The People & Process
a. Committee members were asked to meet in groups of 3-4 and learn something
about each person in their group, then to come up with three things that their
group would be excited to see happen at the facility.
Sharing in the full group included recognition that "who is here" includes people
with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, hopes, and aspirations —just like the
people who will be served in this building.
What Would Be Exciting?!
• Flea Market
• Vibrant Multi-Use Maker Space
• Contribution to Economic Vitality
• Resource Center that Meets People Where They Are
• Tiny/Pallet House Community
• Storage Space for People's Belongings
Page 14 of 36
• Services for People with the Greatest Needs (that aren't being met
elsewhere)
• 24-7 Shelter for Seniors and/or Families
• Soft Landing or Step Down for Post Treatment— and/or Step Up from
Shelter
• Opportunities to Help Others/Volunteer/Contribute
• Multi-population Space for Community-building
b. Decision-Making —Jan touched briefly on the next steps, including opportunities
for decision-making and community engagement, noting that there will be at least
three times when the group will need to agree to move things forward.
1. Culling the ideas. What goes on the list for the community to review?
2. Impact of the public input
3. Final recommendation to Council
The decision-making process will focus on looking for common ground.
c. Community Engagement Opportunities —Two opportunities are planned: First,
to weigh in on a priority list of possible uses of the site; then a preview of the
committee's preliminary recommendations before finalizing what goes to Council.
Two strategies will be used to gather community input— in-person events and an
online survey.
III. PUBLIC FORUM — None.
IV. ADJOURNMENT—Committee members were asked to share "pluses" and "minuses" about
the meeting—things they liked and things they wished were different. Pluses included
meeting on site, the sense of collaboration and agreement within the group, and getting out
of the outdoor heat.
The next meeting will be held on the Juneteenth holiday, Wednesday, June 19. The meeting
adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Page 15 of 36
Committee Timeline
June 5 — Introductions, scope of committee, level setting in terms of zoning and building
code limitations of current commercial building and property, brainstorm potential uses
of the site within the boundaries of the committee charter
June 19 - Neighborhood issues/concerns. Discussion of current neighborhood issues for
both residents and local businesses, community—wide needs regarding emergency
management, resilience, economic development, and climate change — identification of
wider community possibilities
July 3 — Discussion of community possibilities, identification of ideas to move forward
July 17 — Information from Homeless Services Master Plan Subcommittee Report
identifying programmatic needs for Ashland's unhoused community— identification of
homeless program possibilities for future study
August 7 — Discussion of homeless service, identification of ideas to move forward
August 21 — Discussion of homeless service and community possibilities, finalize ideas to
move forward, preview survey and public engagement opportunity 9/4
8125—Launch online survey
September 4— Public engagement opportunity at property
September 18 — Integrate public engagement feedback
How to weigh/consider/incorporate public input
October 2 — Integrate public engagement feedback—finalize draft master plan elements
October 16 — Public engagement opportunity at property
November 19 — Presentation of master plan elements to City Council
Page 16 of 36
[place holder for neighborhood survey results]
Page 17 of 36
Committee Timeline
June 5 — Introductions, scope of committee, level setting in terms of zoning and building
code limitations of current commercial building and property, brainstorm potential uses
of the site within the boundaries of the committee charter
June 19 - Neighborhood issues/concerns. Discussion of current neighborhood issues for
both residents and local businesses, community—wide needs regarding emergency
management, resilience, economic development, and climate change — identification of
wider community possibilities
July 3 — Discussion of community possibilities, identification of ideas to move forward
July 17 — Information from Homeless Services Master Plan Subcommittee Report
identifying programmatic needs for Ashland's unhoused community— identification of
homeless program possibilities for future study
August 7 — Discussion of homeless service, identification of ideas to move forward
August 21 — Discussion of homeless service and community possibilities, finalize ideas to
move forward, preview survey and public engagement opportunity 9/4
8125—Launch online survey
September 4— Public engagement opportunity at property
September 18 — Integrate public engagement feedback
How to weigh/consider/incorporate public input
October 2 — Integrate public engagement feedback—finalize draft master plan elements
October 16 — Public engagement opportunity at property
November 19 — Presentation of master plan elements to City Council
Page 18 of 36
Feedback
I don't live near the shelter so can't provide any personal observations about the impact on the neighborhood. I
will say that I think it's GREAT that the city with state assistance has stepped up to improve shelter options for
those currently unable to provide for themselves. I'm guessing some of the shelter's neighbors become
uncomfortable at the sight/proximity of those individuals who are dressed and perhaps behave differently. I'm
all for any monitoring of quantifiable "offences" such as increased trash etc. Hopefully the shelter staff and the
city can address any egregious behavior(s) and work to balance the need for shelter vs. neighborhood concerns
about...whatever they're concerned about. I have personally not heard or read of ongoing problems but that's
not surprising since I rarely socialize.
I think any additional shelter in Ashland is needed. Not only because of the Alameda fire from 2020 but the cost
of living continues to rise. I have worked with the homeless community at the Rogue Ridge apartments and
most of these individuals are lacking basic resources. I believe this shelter is a great start and potentially a new
beginning for these people. They all deserve a chance. I also highly suggest that the Ashland Community Center
gets the foundation fixed and be open to the public specifically to the homeless population.
The purchase of this shelter was the culmination of wrong decisions made by the City Council and other
organizations. "Build it and they will come" is the only way I can think of it during these worrisome times. I
bought my home and adjoining lot in the 1990s after moving from a big City in another state. At that time I
viewed this town as a wonderful place to live the last portion of my life. But now...... it has evolved into another
town....entirely! Our tax dollars are dedicated in larger amounts every year to paying for the homeless who
migrated here in even greater numbers because here they were fed/housed/and given handouts while they also
daily stand on the streets with their cardboard signs asking for money and then pitch their tents all over
town.....in parks on streets and then in designated areas which have become overwhelmed with their
occupancies. Many of them are obviously addicted to illegal drugs as well. I knew when I moved here that my
property taxes would increase 3% every year because of an Oregon law that was put in place years ago. Now I
see that many of those tax dollars are dedicated to taking care of these homeless vagrants. I don't live near the
vicinity of the shelter that our tax dollars paid $2 million +for in South Ashland. But I know of others who do
and have immediate concerns with their real estate being devalued just because of that decision. As we all know
the tourists support our economy somewhat and they also are disenchanted by this situation.
I can't use it... but we need it desperately. Homeless shelters supress crime and allow the targets and victims of
human trafficking an escape hatch. I know it's difficult but failing to shelter nomadic groups harms the entire
community. Contact me I'll be happy to elaborate. Short answer is we can't afford not to have shelters.
There is new sign at the upstairs bathrooms at the YMCA. "Private Bathroom" "Five Minute Limit". I asked a
worker about the situation. He was reluctant to say very much however he did tell me that a homeless man
had been in one of the bathrooms all day and it was difficult to remove him. I asked him if there have been
more incidents since the emergency shelter was established across the street and he answered yes.
Approximately three weeks ago I was entering the Y lobby and noticed a man sitting in a chair rocking back and
forth holding his head and talking to himself. A policeman arrived as I entered the gym. As I was leaving the
man was still in the chair and the policeman was outside speaking to someone. The lobby is where everyone of
all ages enters. I hope in your quest to obtain information from the community you reach out to the YMCA and
listen about the occurrences there. The Y has reestablished its afterschool program and preschool. What
additional measures has it had to take to provide a safe place for all of their members and staff to come?
If you build it they will come. Why are you buying and building for people who don't pay taxes here?They aren't
citizens. Is there an advantage for the town? Do we want to draw in bums? Wouldn't 2 million be better spent
on the citizens that pay their taxes? Look what has happened to Portland. Do we want the same? Does our
budget allow for this expenditure? There is a wonderful piece from City Journal written by author Devon Kurtz
that speaks of the "Housing First" program and how it has failed. It appears to me this is money down a rat hole.
Thank you for allowing us to give you feedback.
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I think it should stay open. It provides a lot of help to those in the community. Please keep it open.
Really needed great location! People should give it a chance! Community support would really help! Give it a
chance and see if it works out!
Protect the neighborhood around the the shelter for vagrancy crime and trash. That means strict enforcement
and removal of stay privileges if not compliant. We love to "help" people but we do not have the will to protect
our town. The tent city at the police station has been a disaster. Embarrassing for APD to have to deal with
ignorant policies of the city and counsel.
I support having a homeless shelter so that police can enforce urban camping restrictions. Providing a safe place
for our house less neighbors to sleep is a humane and it is the least we can do.
This is a much needed shelter and we could use more like it. Please keep this shelter open and I support more
funding for more such shelters. Thank you.
Temporary shelters are greatly needed. But more than this I would like to see a tiny home project begun where
people without homes could become homeowners. Life success begins with a home. Everyone deserves to
have their basic needs met with dignity. And no more of those ugly tin cans as shelters! Let's make having a
home inspiring and uplifting with building tiny homes.
I provided my mailing address in the form above but my home address is close to the proposed shelter just on
Tolman Creek Road. I want to state that I emphatically support this shelter in this location. These folks are
already walking around in this neighborhood and even camping wherever they can. It's heartbreaking seeing
folks sleeping in freezing and near freezing weather just anywhere out in the open vulnerable to the weather
and worse. I hope the City can go even further in providing shelter for the perpetual emergency that is living
houseless and not just shelter for the immediate emergency of inclement weather even if that shelter is built
right next door.
I am incredibly unhappy with the fact that there was no Pre-admittance vetting done to make sure we aren't
housing criminals or sexual predators at the emergency shelter. We were told our houseless population wasn't
that large and that most guests would be repeats so I think they NEED to vetted more carefully. I still cannot
believe that a location THIS close to a school was approved. Our south end of town is going to $h"t. We need
ordinances to keep the situation more contained and need to make sure mentally ill peoples are getting
appropriate resources so they aren't just wandering around shouting profanities and putting themselves and
others in danger.
Since the shelter has been consistently full since it was opened it shows the need to help those who are truly
homeless.
I don't know how it's going because I haven't been in it since the open house. But I'm glad it's there. The
unhoused residents of Ashland are my neighbors and I care about my neighbors. I live only about a mile from
the shelter. Thank you City of Ashland for taking care of people who need you.
This is a very important service. The facility should remain open and the city should continue its relationship with
OHRA. While the location may seem problematic to some it is near shopping and other services such as food
stamps etc. Step up patrols of affected neighborhoods if security is a concern.
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area. A thorough study of the impact on neighboring businesses and neighborhoods should have been
conducted prior to permitting and opening of the shelter. Although state and local leaders and non-profits try to
help address the homeless problem in Oregon by creating shelters the fact of the matter is that shelters only
function for limited hours and provide limited services. Outside of hours of shelter operations transients and
homeless people who choose not to utilize shelters loiter in public parks business doorways and parking areas
next to the freeway and anywhere in walking distance of the shelter and OHRA. These transient or unhoused
people leave large amounts of litter human waste and drug paraphernalia everywhere they go. They also
panhandle on sidewalks in parking lots and even inside stores. I've even been accosted inside Albertson's by a
homeless man who tried to make me buy him ice cream or give him money during which time he had his hand
down the front of his pants fondling himself. Although I reported the incident to store employees I am sure the
young workers are overwhelmed as they have to deal with many similar situations each day as the location of
their store is so nearby to the shelter and OHRA where the homeless congregate. Since the OHRA center
opened a few years ago crime on the south side of Ashland has doubled especially theft from cars and property.
My neighborhood on the edge of the city boundary has been experiencing increased mail theft and transients
walking up my long private driveway and into my and my neighbor's yards begging for money or gas. I have
even had a vehicle stolen from in front of my house. My steel fabrication business is located next to my home
and just outside of city limits. I've had to install a fence security cameras and move my scrap steel dumpster
behind the fence to deter thieves. We've had gasoline and diesel siphoned out of vehicles we are working on
had catalytic converters stolen from vehicles and our security cameras show people still trying to steal scrap
metal mail from our locked mailbox and searching around the outside of our buildings several times a week.
Since the police department started clearing campers from their front yard a few weeks ago I see several
homeless people pushing carts up Dead Indian Memorial Road every day and a tents have been popping up in
the field across from my business. A few days ago I saw a homeless woman gathering sticks from the ditch
across the street most likely to use to make a fire which could be hazardous due to dry overgrown brush in that
area. Since the emergency shelter began operating in November there has been an increase in the number of
people camping in their cars in the area. Often people car camp in the parking lot of my church on Clay St.
without permission or make camps by the dumpster which makes me feel unsafe when I need to go to the
I applaud the attempt to provide more shelter of the type the city has acquired. I also would like to bring to your
attention a program down in the Bay Area for car campers. It seems like a positive solution. See the link below.
Safe Parking (thevillageoflove.org)
The shelter is a fantastic addition to our town. I am so proud of Ashland for stepping up and taking care of our
homeless population. Folks are struggling right now with finding affordable housing. I think we serve them
better by providing with a place to stay rather them locking them up. The shelter has only been there a month
and they have been great neighbors. Ashland should commit to this shelter with all it's heart.
Thanks to all involved for working so hard to provide shelter for those in need in our community. I have great
respect for OHRA and how they work with respect for all.
Any shelter created to help people with little or no resources of their own is a good start and shows that Ashland
is willing to work on a problem that is affecting the entire country right now. Ashland is in affluent progressive
compassionate community. We need to keep it that way! Of course there are going to be troublemakers and
anomalies in any project of this sort be we can't let them determine the overall success of the program. We
need to set an example for the rest of the valley state and country and take care of those in need. I support
anything the city does to help the less fortunate! Please let's show others how we can help each other.
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The addition of another homeless shelter on the south side of Ashland has brought with it more problems for
the residents on this side of town more crime more trash more panhandling etc. it also brings with it more
homeless who cannot get into the shelter roaming the neighborhoods at all hours. We notice an increase in
police sirens in our neighborhood since the 2 shelters have opened. Just ask the businesses on this side of town
about the rise in crime and vandalism. Bimart had a number of people come in the other night and walk out with
arm loads of merch and one who spread feces all over their restroom. I am sure it is lowering the property value
of housing on this side of town. I just read about the homeless campground on East Main experiencing issues
with security and rats. How long before they relocate the campground to our end of town too? Opening more
shelters just brings more homeless to Ashland. When will we start addressing one of the main problems of the
homeless and open more drug treatment facilities. Instead we spend millions on programs like the Stabbin
Wagon who provide drug paraphernalia to enable the drug addicted in the name of health care. I do have
empathy for the homeless but how about not putting them all on one side of town. The city wants to make sure
they are not downtown to adversely affect tourism. So the south side of town doesn't matter.
I think what's important is our community and council are actively engaged in addressing this problem in a
meaningful realistic way. When I read about the lights being turned out each night and the darkness &fear felt
by the residents I wondered what would be a viable solution.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/LuminAID/page/114C7B6C-FBD2-452D-80E1-EED6AC65EF1C?ref_=ast_bin
Would this be something that could be provided to those residing there?
For the first time in more than 4 years one family with young children have been continuously sheltered. I've
seen remarkable changes in those kids. Please continue to offer this refuge after Jan 10. Please tell residents
they have an extended period of time ASAP. Thank you.
Let it be known that we understand homelessness is a problem that our entire nation experiences and that
should be addressed on many fronts from ental health to drug abuse to housing costs and more. Shelters are
only a temporary solution and even at that can only work if the occupants choose to engage with them and the
possible connections to services that may be presented there. That said the OHRA shelter has caused a serious
problem in our commercial neighborhood bringing more homeless and drug use into the area than ever before.
The problems and danger caused by a few unpredictable persons drawn to the area have resulted in many
complaints and significantly increased our maintenance and management expense. We understand there is
hardly an ideal place to locate a homeless shelter but the fact is that allowing homelessness to reach this level is
a result of lack of barriers as much as a lack of supports. There should absolutely be safe and well-managed
places where you can get connected to services to transition out of homelessness. However there also needs to
be a level of commitment in the community that nuisance behavior loitering and drug use aren't acceptable on
every streetcorner. It is the responsibility of the Ashland government and police force to enact and enforce
regulations that care for and ensure the safety of all members of society.
I am totally against the homeless shelter after working with mentally disturbed people for over 40 years. I don't
think it belongs in neighborhoods with children and the elderly. It will lower our property values and does not
had to our community.
Help me understand why all of the homeless and low income facilities are in South Ashland. I no longer feel safe
going to the Albertsons shopping center. I am always harassed by someone there especially around the subway
outdoor bench. The other day some guy was melting down and threatening Folks in the parking lot. I am an
older woman and I don't like feeling unsafe. I have observed folks on obviously stolen bicycles. Either they
couldn't figure out how to write them or they were grown man on a kids bike. Crime is up in this area.
Coincidence? I think not.
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You screwed the pooch in this one.. all the while shutting down Pioneer hall all together!? 9 years ago I was at a
kids birthday party with enough humans to blow your new "occupancy" numbers right out of the window. We all
stood around on the patio while I tested how many hands I could put between the chimney and the exterior
wall. Poor form Ashland.. such a disappointment after all the decades it took me to save enough to buy here..
Then to top it all off it ends up that (despite how you sell it) the school district just sucks. We are headed to
greener pastures where water rates don't go up double digits a year. So sad.
I don't approve of our taxes going to fund this homeless enter. What happens when the grant money is gone?
Are you going to ask the city tax payers to fund it?
It appears to be going well. OHRA has been competently managing the property and working with the guests
there.
know are: Are the people who are facilitating the new shelter trauma informed? have two instances that I can
name where it appears as if they are not. One was where I was contacted by a mother of a son who was living
in the new shelter and the shelter attendant(s) were not listening to this man who needed to be moved away
from the door due to PTSD issues. Thankfully Councilor Bloom and others stepped in to accommodate this man
but this should have never gotten to this level. The shelter staff on-hand should have been able to accommodate
this need immediately instead of it becoming a near crisis. The second one is that apparently the American flag
was tattered at the shelter. Someone brought it up on social media and a local MAGA man — believing himself
to be a hero — took it upon himself to donate to the shelter a new one. That is all fine and good; however when
he was bragging about it online he said that shelter staff were saying bad things about the residents there.
Something to the effect of that the residents deserved the tattered flag. Horrible. When staff aren't acting
appropriately the whole system fails. People who are in truama cannot regulate their systems. If we are going to
do this as a City why half-ass things? Go all the way and do it right. Actually help people instead of just giving
the impression you are helping. Also PLEASE put in a FULL kitchen regular bathrooms and showers and for
fricksakes put UP the pallet shelters and use them! Again if we are going to do this go all the way and do it
right. Another thing... let the Peace Meals (and other agencies) use the facility to feed people. What the hell is
going on over there with you City Council Mayor and interim City Manager? Let the residents get fed. It makes
zero sense to keep them away. I was in the Marine Corps for a long time. My very favorite Colonel used to say
"This is the right thing to do." "This isn't necessarily the most popular thing to do the most efficient or even
within Marine Corps guidelines but it's the right thing to do." He always always had his Marines best care in
mind and always took the heat for us. He protected us. We used to say about him that we would follow him
into battle naked with just a paper clip. This as you can imagine is the highest of praises. He was always making
the very best decisions in the very worst of circumstances and had the highest of integrity and transparency.
You should be doing the same. Protect all of us. Make decisions that are not beholden to only the wealthy.
Communicate directly transparently and efficiently with everyone involved. Don't just relish in your titles
LEAD with integrity. Please make the shelter a place of nurturing and healing. It's the only way to go. Do not
buy into that bullshit that if we are kind we will attract every unhoused person from everywhere. It even isn't
true. Please call me if you want to discuss more about what I see living here.
The shelter seems to be doing great. I am happy that so many houseless people in Ashland are being taken care
of during the cold weather. I support the city in this endeavor and I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.
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I can only speak on a few aspects that I've heard from other locals who are more informed. I think it's
imperative that the shelter work in tandem with other non-profits and volunteer organizations like the
community peace meals. It's lacks common sense not to. Most unhoused or low income family's have problems
with reliable transportation so putting care and volunteer services all over town is not productive and creates
the inability to access services. I've also heard that mental health care is not easily accessible through the
services and that plays a HUGE role for all those who are struggling. These are basic common sense things that I
think with a little imagination can happen. I know there's red tape and disagreements but I have hope that the
community of Ashland can serve as an example for other cities.
I don't approve of our taxes going to fund this homeless enter. What happens when the grant money is gone?
Are you going to ask the city tax payers to fund it?
I have volunteered with the community meals for many years and lived in Ashland from 1980-2015 so I'm very
familiar with the ways the homeless have been treated over the years. The shelter is not sufficient because it
has no kitchen (just a fridge and microwave) and no storage available in the garage area of the building. It does
not solve the need for warmth and food except by using outside services for the people sheltered on cots in the
front rooms. The shower and laundry trailer is inadequate for the needs of the unhoused. There is no place for
people who are not in the front rooms to store their life-sustaining things. So when the emergency shelter is
open they have to lug their stuff in and out. Ashland looks more and more like a third world country with
people walking around carrying huge loads (like in shopping carts or on bikes). When I first volunteered at the
original OHRA (next to the food bank) we had drop in hours at a facility which had a kitchen had a hallway filled
with hanging clothes to give away computers to use a social services counselor. The new OHRA shelter is not
serving the needs of enough people. The Ashland street building is leaving so many unhoused without basic
help. And the lawn behind the police station is a complete failure both with its limited hours and with people
needing to move in and out. As I said at a city council meeting years ago...... we take better care of stray dogs
than of people. It's time to find better solutions. Let's not rely on laws to "control" the issue as the city council
is trying to do. Why not collaborate with the many people who volunteer to help with this issue?
My understanding gleaned from information from Ashland PD is that the more services the city offers to
indigent people the more people come here from Medford and elsewhere. There is an marked increase of
crime and disorder happening all over our city. There is an increase of vandalism in the park sand elsewhere. I
personally feel that Ashland should close this facility immediately. We should be using our money to pay off the
city's debts to fix roads to fund more police and other civic tasks that affect everyone. It is unfortunate that
Ashland is known for its free handouts for people who are not even among our own population.
The shelter is a much needed facility. The new location has low impact on neighborhoods. It is an important
piece in the arsenal of care for the most disadvantaged among us.
Please keep it open while you work to improve it. Also please open Pioneer Hall. Thank you!
I toured the new Ashland Emergency Shelter space during the open house. State funding was used to purchase
that property for an emergency shelter. It should remain an emergency shelter. The upcoming Master Plan for
Homelessness will depend on the shelter's 30 beds. Still needed are laundry and kitchen spaces which should be
added. The Emergency Weather Shelter space in the old garage of that building needs to be refinished as a real
indoor space. Accoring to the Point in Time Count of homeless people in Ashland we have about 120 homeless
individuals on any given day of the year. OHRA can only accomodate about half of that number. The 30 beds in
the emergency shelter also falls short of the actual need but the shortfall would be greater without the
emergency shelter. Those beds in combinaton with OHRA's navigators who aid homeless clients provide
Ashland's best option for improving conditions for houseless Ashlanders.
Why didn't the council (and temporary mayor) consider BEFORE buying and overpaying for the building (the
comps were a lot lower than purchase price)there were only 2 bathrooms and no showers for all those people
living there. This purchase was absolutely absurd although the idea for homing the homeless is wonderful!
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It hasn't relieved any of the pressure to our neighborhood which is just a few blocks from the complex at 1175 E
Main. The camping area has transformed our neighborhood and we don't feel safe walking around at night
anymore. It's not the homelessness that bothers us. It's the menace and deterioration of safety in our working
class neighborhood. Please help.
My concern is that this is close to the Waldorf school ( Siskiyou School) while not all unhoused but many are
taking illegal drugs safety is a concern. Ashland is actually attracting people due to the shelter the unhoused
population was actually very small in Ashland many were young adults enjoying the hobo life seeking and
adventure. Moving on when the weather turned cold. I only know this from a small conversation with a couple
on the Ashland plaza when I tried to hire them for work. What kind of security do we have with the this shelter?
Identification of sexual predators ? How do you I.D. These individuals? I also see that every street corner and
driveway into the shopping areas ( in that area ) has a person looking for a hand out which is new.
I am so pleased that this location will be available. It is a perfect location for such services as other supporting
agencies are nearby. Thank you for being community-minded and thinking of the entirety of the citizens of
Ashland.
I'm opposed to a second shelter opening up in south Ashland. When the first shelter opened at 2350 Ashland St.
I saw a dramatic increase in the homeless population in south Ashland. It has impacted local businesses and has
made it unpleasant to shop on that side of town. There's more litter and shopping carts full of personal belongs
left out on the sidewalks. There are groups of unsavory people hanging out in area that have filtered into the
surrounding neighborhoods. I worry about children in our neighborhood coming into contact with someone that
could do them harm. I'm also worried about my house and car being burglarized. Six years ago when I moved to
south Ashland I had none of those worries. The homeless population in Ashland keeps increasing due to the
expansion of homelessness services. More and more out of area homeless are coming to Ashland because of the
increase in services. If the majority of residents in Ashland want to expand services to the homeless then it is
only fair to build the second shelter in the north end of town. It is not right to make the south end of town
where I live into a homeless destination. I want to stress it is not fair to put all of the homeless in south Ashland.
Build or buy the second shelter on the north side of town. Make this equitably for all of the residents of Ashland.
Thankyou
This shelter is vitally important to the welfare of the community. It saves lives. The location structure and
profession staff offers the best situation for the concerns of the housed population. While still providing vital
resources for the unhoused members of our community. It would be an act of callous neglect rising to the level
of a moral imperative to remove this resource. Thank you for your consideration towards this issue.
I live right by the shelter and it hasn't been a problem at all. I hope it is helping our unhoused community
members.
I am glad we have found a permanent location for a shelter in town. Despite others concerns I think the location
near the grocery store and other resources is the best that could be found. We had the temporary shelter next
door to our home for almost a year and found that Rogue Retreat managed it well despite challenges with the
location (no city sewer no sidewalks long walk to resources). Thank you for your hardwork making this happen!
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town is not right. Since OHRA went in the south exit area has become an ever-increasing transient wasteland
nothing but drug use and vagrancy and blight. Burning tax dollars enabling and rewarding losers and dirtbags and
takers will not make Ashland better. Your actions are only making the problem worse and you are destroying
the quality of life for taxpayers in Ashland and our town much less attractive. Put the homeless on busses and
send them all to Portland. Way more concentrated homeless resources there. Let Tina Kotec deal with it. More
humane to send them to the big city so we can get our nice quaint beautiful mountain town back. The more you
cater to the homeless the more you will encourage them to settle here. The bird feeder effect is real. Oregon
should end the bottle drop and outlaw Narcan. If someone wants to OD let em. You are only making Ashland
worse with this shelter. Instead make it high-density work force house for young adults and families and the
elderly. People who actually contribute to society pay taxes and make Ashland a better community and a
better place to live. Why are you making Ashland more livable for homeless drug addicts and less livable for
actual taxpayers? Spending my tax dollars subsidizing the lifestyles of people who make bad decisions and don't
have personal responsibility break laws use drugs commit crimes when you could be using that money to
subsidize housing for workforce young adults and the elderly is totally criminal and you should be ashamed. You
used tax dollars to overpay for a building without doing due diligence and to top it off you used tax dollars to
build them a smoking area!?Are you fucking kidding me!? Do the right thing and resign now Mayor and City
Council!
I live right by the shelter and it hasn't been a problem at all. I hope it is helping our unhoused community
members.
The shelter is doing amazing. They've been taking people in during extreme temperatures at night to prevent
them from freezing or worse. They offer help with so many things that I can't keep track. Most importantly it's
giving these people a chance to get back on their feet and a safe place to do so. Otherwise countless people
have to return to the streets homes with violence and many other situations. The shelter gives them a safe
haven to recover
Hello. Homelessness is a systemic problem and no city can or should be tasked with solving the issue on its own.
However you can avoid passing stupid classist laws that do absolutely nothing to solve the problem and
accomplish nothing but create a bunch of additional personal problems for people who are already experiencing
a serious over-abundance of personal problems to begin with. Rather than blaming the Wall Street vulture funds
who are responsible for the inflated value of real estate these days (several of them were recently indicted by
the feds for artificially inflating real estate prices in fact) but instead you blame the victims of this paradigm and
basically try to criminalize being too poor to pay rent. There have been scores of studies done on homelessness
and while they have been of various levels of credibility and while they have focused upon different aspects of
the issue one thing they are unanimous on is that the cheapest and most effective method of ending
homelessness is to place homeless people into homes. Most effective — lowest cost. Win win. Yes placing
people into homes is expensive — but it is literally cheaper than just leaving them on the streets. (It is also more
humane but that is evidently irrelevant in American politics these days...) I considered sending you links to the
documentation for all this but this information is not that hard to find and I suspect you would feel better with
information you researched on your own. While there are exceptions homeless people can be divided roughly
into two types: Those who have fallen through an economic crack (medical bills or unexpected car repairs or
whatever) and generally all such folks need is some subsidized housing for a temporary period of time until they
get caught up. Then there are the chronically unhoused usually due to some form of mental illness and/or drug
addiction and such people usually require semi-permanent or permanent supportive housing. Yes that is
expensive — but again it is STILL cheaper than just leaving people on the streets.
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Having 2 shelters in my neighborhood has affected the value of my home. I'd like the city to mitigate the
damage. There has been an increase by more than 80% in number of homeless people near the shelter property
and visible from our homes. At least 7 emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights the first 33 days of
operation. Woefully understaffed especially since children are there. The portable toilets violate AMC. Not one
councillor has responded to my emails about this. There are multiple fire code violations. There is no kitchen so
even more violations with the 5 small appliances plugged in. Teachers can't have even one microwave in our
classrooms (in bldgs. with sprinklers) so how is it OK for all those appliances to be there?A legal appropriate
shelter for 33 people would have at least one kitchen and at least 6 flush toilets as well as indoor showers. And
not violate any fire codes. If the city of Ashland (the smallest in Oregon with this many beds) must have 90-96
beds for homeless please don't put them both in our small neighborhood. I'm waiting for the city to mitigate the
damage and move the shelter to another neighborhood before I try to sell my house. It's not going well and I
hope it moves by January 10.
I have had a long connection with someone who has worked at the shelters since they opened and when he tells
me how vital they are to the homeless community I believe him. These shelters are absolutely essential
Unless I personally ask Gina DuQuenne what the news is I feel like tax-paying citizens are purposefully being
ignored. Thankfully the South Ashland Coalition is getting the word out about the shelter and other items
affecting our end of town. I say if you want to living voluntarily unhoused in Ashland there should be some sort
of work fare program to give back to the TAX paying citizens of the city. Like sweeping sidewalks and public
areas.
Please reconsider the homeless shelter nearby my work. Every day and I mean EVERY single day my clients my
fellow businesses & myself have to deal with the negative ramifications of the homeless nearby who bring vile &
hostile attitudes drugs & mental illness into our work complex and homes. I sincerely hope you would
reconsider how our businesses might be negatively perceived by clients and prospects for maintaining our
businesses in a neighborhood now riddled & deemed UNSAFE & unacceptable. In the past 2 years my neighbors
and myself have witnessed way too many examples of the homeless actually doing drugs in the open air
sleeping & defecating on our streets while children & clients are nearby. This is not acceptable. Please stop this
initiative to bring in even more homeless into a sole and single location of our city-you have purposely attracted
and creating an unhealthy environment to all of the southern Ashland area. Your behavior has not been
representative of those who live and work here and I plead you will correct what you have done.
As a resident living near the shelter I've noticed a few more unhoused near Albertsons Shopping Kart and Bi-
Mart; places where I frequent. I've also noticed more camped out along 1-5 at Exit 14 when going to and from
Medford. We live in a small HOA community with a lot of elderly individuals and I am concerned about their
safety as we've had a few instances of someone knocking on front windows and kicking front doors in the
middle of the night. I'm not saying this was done by the unhoused as I have compassion for them. Just
wondering when the police substation might be installed for greater police presence in our area. I greatly
appreciate what the city has done with having a place by city hall for overnight tents and by passing the first
draft of the common sense camping ordinance. And I appreciate your asking residents for input.
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I live in the Clay Creek Gardens neighborhood and frequently shop at Shop N Kart and BiMart. I notice more
travelers/unsheltered/homeless people in the BiMart restrooms recently and often find the restroom conditions
to be less than clean. Staff are aware I believe and I think they are reinstituting the requirement to show one's
membership card. Related: I deliver Meals on Wheels every week; one of our rules is that no food may be
returned to the senior center. So if a client is not at home what does one do? In the past I have been able to
find folks on the street or in the BiMart parking lot. Those numbers seem to have decreased (weather?the
shelter?). On two occasions I dropped by OHRA to deliver extra food and on both occasions I had unpleasant
(and uncomfortable) encounters with people (residents?) hanging around the entrance. I no longer will attempt
to do so. Anecdotally my impression is there are more travelers/unsheltered/homeless people on the Ashland
Street and Tolman Creek Rd. sidewalks in some cases blocking pedestrian right of way. Not a great advertising
tool for the city and it's dangerous when pedestrians are forced to step into the street. This has occured all the
way up to Goodwill. Finally IMHO the city failed to give proper notice re the project. Too late now and I suspect
you've heard it before but I believe somebody pulled the switch too soon. My problem is that the decision was
made knowingly-one can list reasons why but the bottom line is that the City knowingly gave more value to
those reasons than to giving adequate public notice.
I'm opposed to a second shelter opening up in south Ashland. When the first shelter opened at 2350 Ashland St.
I saw a dramatic increase in the homeless population in south Ashland. It has impacted local businesses and has
made it unpleasant to shop on that side of town. There's more litter and shopping carts full of personal belongs
left out on the sidewalks. There are groups of unsavory people hanging out in area that have filtered into the
surrounding neighborhoods. I worry about children in our neighborhood coming into contact with someone that
could do them harm. I'm also worried about my house and car being burglarized. Six years ago when I moved to
south Ashland I had none of those worries. The homeless population in Ashland keeps increasing due to the
expansion of homelessness services. More and more out of area homeless are coming to Ashland because of the
increase in services. If the majority of residents in Ashland want to expand services to the homeless then it is
only fair to build the second shelter in the north end of town. It is not right to make the south end of town
where I live into a homeless destination. I want to stress it is not fair to put all of the homeless in south Ashland.
Build or buy the second shelter on the north side of town. Make this equitably for all of the residents of Ashland.
Thankyou
7:30am walked past Albertsons's on the way to the gym and watch a woman drop her pants and lean on the
side of Albertsons and take a shit .. I called to cops and zero was done. Being nice and giving services to the
homeless gets you actions like this. We are now a magnet a shelter for all or the homeless In the valley. Begging
is not a job.... South ashland is full of trash on the the ground and unsafe for kids to walk 100 yards at night
anywhere near ymca shop n kart Albertsons Because of the homeless
I'm glad the City of Ashland is providing basic shelter for some of our unhoused community members. It is my
understanding that there is no kitchen in this shelter. That makes it difficult to provide a meal to the residents.
Volunteers are asked to bring hot food or food that can be microwaved. I would ask the City of Ashland to fund
the building of a kitchen in this building. Thank you.
I think its a great idea for a homeless shelter...let us be more caring individuals for the less fortunate.. They need
a place to go too..
I have had no direct contact or interaction with the shelter or any of it's staff or residents but I am happy that
the Ashland is able to provide shelter for many of the people who have been living in tents around town. I am
hopeful that through the shelter people who want permanent homes can get assistance in finding a place to
live. I am also hopeful that mental health services can be provided to people who need it. For people who
choose to live outside refusing services I hope that they come to understand that it is not the town of
Ashland's responsibility to provide space for them to sleep. If their choice is to live outside when there is
adequate shelter available the City should no longer tolerate the setting up of tents in city limits sleeping on
sidewalks in storefronts or over night within city parks.
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I don't know how it is currently going but I know that more shelters beds hygiene facilities and safe spaces for
our unhoused community is absolutely essential and is underfunded and understaffed. The city needs to devote
more resources and space to helping our community members in need.
I am uncomfortable with this aggressive purchase driven by grant monies. I feel that it is made for resentments
when stakeholders are left out of the process. I do not trust the council or mayor sadly. I think expenditures that
feel short sighted breed this mistrust. What funds will sustain this and do the work on windows etc. to be fire
safe. I really worry about fires.
I think this was a terribly short sighted and poorly planned move by the city. First you overpaid for the property
without proper procedure. No estimate or formal appraisal. Why? Next you did little to inform the surrounding
community or get approval until the last minute. Then no cost analysis like a 5 and 10 year plan for funding
/budget. I will bet funding/grant money runs out quickly and you will be looking to have the residents of
Ashland foot the bill through a bond measure or tax because the city rushed into an ill-advised plan because they
had grant money to save the homeless people. Next let's look at the liability this puts the city and its residents
in! This backs up to the bike path used by many kids and adults. It will take one accident to have an attorney
sharpening his claws to file a liable suit against the city that will add to the cities debt then we will see our
insurance cost go sky high! Then let's talk about the crime this will bring to the surrounding community not to
mention the drop in property value for peoples whose homes back up to this shelter. Again why the hell wasn't
this all considered? Now all that said I realize these people which a large portion have mental health issues and
drug addiction or warrants but sanctioning and supporting this behavior is not how the problem will be fixed.
Tolerance will only increase the problem as we have seen throughout the country. This question should have
been asked before this ill-fated scheme was hatched and put on an already struggling community. My feelings
are the shelter should be shut down and building put up for sale. This is a federal issue that will need funding
that can be distributed to states for projects. Like increased low security prisons mental health facilities and
rehab centers along with job placement centers. Giving people a place to sleep doesn't fix the problem! Feel
free to contact me.
The primary thing I've heard about the new homeless shelter facility is that OHRA runs it. It's also new to me that
there are 30+ people staying there on a regular basis. I'm certain that the shelter proves better than sleeping
rough. OHRA has a proven history in Ashland with its work at the former Super 8 facility. It's probably a good
plan for Ashland to go with a local concern that has a proven track record. It would be good to have more
information about public expenditures on the project. The projects implementation needs to be effective rather
than vague secretive or chaotic. It would erode public support to learn if the cost per client per night was
exorbitant. The City of Ashland needs to better articulate the design and implementation of their intermediate
plans. Decisions seem to made in a vacuum with the public only informed afterwards.
I have not noticed any negative issues regarding this newest shelter for the unhoused people of Ashland. It is
extremely important for all people to have adequate and safe housing. Homeless peoples lives matter too! Keep
up the good work Ashland!
I've worked as a social worker since 1980. Last 21 years with mentally-ill homeless. I'm concerned that Ashland
is overly pandering to the homeless mentally-ill and those content with living off of free handouts. Society
doesn't function that way. People need to engage and contribute. Ashlands quality of life is degrading due to
residents feeling good about themselves by temporarily housing and feeding those less fortunate. Ashland relies
upon tourism and attracting homeless and those that take advantage of free handouts is a mistake.
County/State government must step in and be tasked with addressing this societal epidemic. As a tax-paying
citizen please hear my plea of"no more!" Respectfully submitted
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The Ashland street location is ideal for a shelter. The shelter needs to be centrally located so the people who use
it can easily get to it. The shelter needs to go somewhere and this location effects as few of residents as possible
since it is sandwiched between the railroad tracks/Ashland street/commercial parking lot. I don't know how the
City is going to fund the shelter but it is not sustainable to make the citizens of Ashland to fund this project long
term. There are already too many items on my property tax and utility bills for City and school projects.
I feel the South Ashland shelter is going well and it is good to see the city using under-utilized resources to
support the worthy cause of helping our least fortunate neighbors. I shop at Shop and Kart and Bi Mart and don't
encounter any more issues than I have in the last 10 years. This is a far better approach to addressing
homelessness than the alternatives.
congratulaions to the city for getting this shelter operating. it is an important accomplishment.
I wish it were able to accommodate more people.
I have a lot of experience with addiction mental health issues and homelessness. Been there. Done that. I'll
have 22 years clean tomorrow. I've been homeles. I've dealt with mental health issues since childhood and been
in weekly therapy with the same psychiatrist since March 1998. Let's stop the ridiculous levels of enabling and
get to some real solution. I rarely align myself with Southern politics but Georgia is getting this right.
https://www.city-journal.org/article/georgia-takes-a-stand-on-homeless-policy
Suggest the shelter be improved to be all electric and truly energy resilient. Neighbors will have more comfort
knowing there won't be potentially dangerous people forced out to look for shelter when the grid goes down
Please continue. These people need help. A tiny home community would be ideal but until something better is
available provide night-time shelter all year not just winter.
My concern is that Ashland have constancy of policy with the other cities in the Valley so we do not become a
magnet competing with the other cities to provide shelter for the transient homeless population. I would not
want Ashland to draw people to our shelter from other cities just because our policy and resources are not
constant with the other cities in the valley.
The shelter has completed the goal to visually give over south Ashland (near Tolman intersection with 99)to
people with no connection to Ashland except the desire to be homeless here. It's a goal that is at odds with
creating a vibrant neighborhood a strong tax base a place for children to ride bikes and families and seniors to
walk. I don't agree with this goal. Furthermore as a mother who was previously homeless in Ashland decades
ago living out of a van with my family I find the current practice of encouraging homeless people to stay here to
be remarkably cruel: this is not a place you will succeed if you're poor. The effort will beat you down no matter
the help given. The salary to expense ratio is impossible. My family and I succeeded in getting housing and
changing our lives for the better only by going to where the Jobs were (Corvallis and Seattle) and working very
hard to build a solid financial base for ourselves. Only then did we return to Ashland. Was it disappointing not to
be able to stay the first time?Absolutely. Was it for the best in the long run?Absolutely. Have some Real
compassion for those of us with less: help us move on to somewhere where success is actually possible.
I think it is a wonderful idea and I appreciate that action is being taken to help the un housed to have shelter
and a safe and warm a place to sleep at night. I know there is a lot of resistance from those in the neighborhood
but really it is an ideal location.
Heard/read from neighbors that it is not going well. Employees of the stores/businesses along with customers
have voiced that it's been "dicey" at times. Definitely creating a different vibe/atmosphere than the rest of the
town. And that causes some to avoid the area and take their business elsewhere.
I think it is a wonderful idea and I appreciate that action is being taken to help the un housed to have shelter
and a safe and warm a place to sleep at night. I know there is a lot of resistance from those in the neighborhood
but really it is an ideal location.
I believe providing a place for the unhoused is the right thing to do. I hope that once this up and running to
capacity we can stop providing the tent camping area on East Main st.
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The shelter is a great temporary situation but the staff at the shelter are not properly trained and supported by
management to function and hold space for 30 unhoused friends. There needs to be more mental health
support access and sliding them in long term housing faster. And the OHRA staff need to be paid and trained for
the enormous space you are holding with that group. In a small building. With different attitudes and health
concerns and ptsd breakdowns and nightmare screams and unstable minds and and....positive changes have
happened AND Ashland can do much better.
I do not have the patience to deal with entitlement anymore. This shelter is nothing more that giving into folks
who feel entitled to buck the norm and want there cake and want to eat it too. You can lead a horse to water
but in this case they feel that they identify as a camel. There used to be this thing called cause and effect. If you
did something wrong there were consequences for it not a participation trophy. Life isn't fair and the sooner we
all understand that we can move on as a society. Stop using my tax money on indigent folks who don't want to
change. And in the literally sense of the word we are turning SA into a ghetto (ghetto - noun - a poor urban area
occupied primarily by a minority group or groups). We have to be honest with ourselves. I had a discussion
with a person who told me that they couldn't get housing for her and her child. I was able to find shelter in
about 20 minutes. Then the story changed and they then had a dog. Found shelter for the dog and them in
another 20 minutes. Then the topper of the cake it has a 20 year old child. That isn't a child that is a grown
adult and the person was trying to get sympathy for not being able to find shelter. Well having the whole
information from the beginning helps and I could find shelter for her but not her adult child. She didn't want
that either. In an hour I had found several solutions but they didn't want it. I am not completely cold hearted
but this is the kind of nonsense that takes me away from being an ally. Do not use my tax money on the
shelter; and don't tell me it won't because in one shape or another it will be funneled towards it. No to the SA
Ghetto! Yes to living with consequences and repeatedly doing the same thing over and over again and expecting
a different outcome; that is the definition of insanity.
I think that shelter for our population in need is critical especially this time of year. Please continue offering it
without gaps however possible whenever needed. It is clear some discomforts may occur within the community
as things adjust and we learn how to support all residents but I feel things will settle and be perfectly functional
in time. Thanks!
I feel this is a good site close to shopping transportation to medical facilities and somewhat out of the way. No
place would be perfect and someone will always complain.. The city did a good job picking it. Keep it open.
I haven't heard any complaints. The OHRA folks have helped a lot of people.
As far as I know the shelter is going well. I have not heard any complaints from Neighbors. I hope it continues!
Shelter. Perhaps an update from OHRA the City and some of the homeless people who have used the shelter
would be appropriate. Maybe even a meeting that could be attended by the residents to get feedback from all
the players.
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I'm not aware of how the shelter is doing now that it is operating. I only followed the controversy in the roll out.
No doubt we have a chronic Homeless problem. It seems to be a whole social group. Those who choose to
endure the winter may not want to be confined in a shelter with conditions and restrictions. I know
personally what a good job OHRA has done with the transitional housing at the old super 8. But if you offer
services you will attract more need. "If you feed pigeons you get more pigeons". There a lot of people who
drop in there. They would love to get a on there but it's not possible. They give other support for the drop in
clientele. A mailbox a sandwich directions to services showers medical and dental services.... There are lot of
services that are not available for the poor. If ashland is the most generous and supportive community in the
rogue valley we let others off the hook. Ashland is probably the most fun and tolerant. I don't see the
populations in talent Phoenix central point congregating like Ashland. Medford does have st Vincent de Paul
and the other shelters services that brings people in. There is a different group that gets services there. But I
meet homeless that are on the road. Travel to Seattle Portland Eugene Santa Monica. Others stay here
permanently unhoused. I just read Oregon is number 2 nationally in homeless population
https://www.koin.com/news/homeless/federal-report-shows-oregon-has-second-highest-percentage-of-
unsheltered-homelessness/amp/ We need more permanent housing built. Housing First! I am most
concerned about women children and those with diminished capacity. There are some that prefer being
Gypsies. Others struck by a series (lifetime) of misfortunes. The Ashland issue is putting all the chronic housing
crisis on Ashland Street and that neighborhood. Lots of people milling around. An Emergency shelter in winter is
an emergency solution. It's not an end all and be all. Not sure what neighborhood would accept the
responsibility and give up their safety and wellbeing. It's always going to be a NIMBY problem. If there are 5 000
homeless in the state and ashland is 22 000 : 4 000 000 we would have 25 homeless wandering our streets
proportionally. We're lucky Texas is sending us additional asylum seekers to house. It's a national problem.
We want to be kind but the burden is currently all placed on the south ashland neighborhood the police and our
parks. We need to redistribute the nations wealth and stop pushing the middle class downward. Start by
creating affordable housing and universal medical care. That's obviously easier said than done.
I haven't heard any complaints. The OHRA folks have helped a lot of people.
I think it is in a great location and is a good use of existing building space. Bravo
I think it is a wonderful idea and I appreciate that action is being taken to help the un housed to have shelter
and a safe and warm a place to sleep at night. I know there is a lot of resistance from those in the neighborhood
but really it is an ideal location.
Since the 2200 shelter has opened my family has seen first-hand a significant decline of the health safety and
cleanliness of our neighborhood and the bike path. We were told the shelter would improve the neighborhood
but it has been the exact opposite. We have seen a sharp increase in drug use under the bridge litter illegal
camping and inappropriate behavior including multiple instances of public urination on shelter property in full
view of my children's bedrooms. Our car has been vandalized along with many of our neighbors. My children
have been awakened at night by people yelling on the bike path right by the shelter. We used to love living by
the bike path but now it doesn't feel like a safe place to raise a family and we are looking to move out of the
area completely. I would urge the city NOT to continue the shelter. There are other options for unhoused folks
to go to the original OHRA or Rogue Retreat in Medford. Our south Ashland community will continue be
adversely impacted if this 2200 shelter continues.
Since the shelter opened the neighborhood and bike path around it has become a magnet for litter drug use
public urination (on the shelter property witnessed from my daughter's room) defecation and prostitution. I
was told that it would get better having another shelter open. It has not. My family will soon be moving away
from the area. I have lived in south Ashland for close to 40 years but now I don't want to raise my family in
south Ashland. This makes me sad.
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How can we know how it's going unless we are there? What I'd like to know is how many homeless people are
not getting shelter. That would be hard to find out ....you'd need to go street to street in Ashland to find people
sleeping on benches wherever hoping the police don't find them. I do think that there should be a law that
police cannot disturb a homeless person who is sleeping somewhere. Of what value is it to force a homeless
person to try to find another place to sleep? I think it's a heartless rule that the homeless be awakened &forced
to move.
GREAT the answer to homelessness is to make housing. We need a lot more housing but this is a start. Thank
I think it is good to have it. That said there are issues that could be addressed. Requesting mandatory drug
testing and for those that come up positive they are least separated from those families and those with mental
health issues. Mental health issues and the fear that goes along with it are made that much worse with sleep
deprivation when you do not feel safe sleeping in the shelter. Unless I am missing something OHRA only
provides information about resources. There are no case management services similar to Rogue Retreat. Why
not use the property behind the shelter for screened applicant tiny homes also. Please keep it open. I know of a
couple of people there that although it is the bare minimum it does keep them off the streets where they do not
have the mental health capacity to survive.
I am a resident of South Ashland. The Camping Ordinance that was sent for a second reading is impressive in its
compassion toward the unhoused citizens of Ashland. It is impressive in its compassion for the needs of the
larger community and business owners of South Ashland. It is impressive for its attention to the complexities of
existing law. It should be passed so that the Master Plan Committee has it to work on. Please VOTE YES on the
Prohibited Camping Ordinance. My observation is that the shelter at 2200 Ashland Street is operating well and
our neighborhood is safer because of it.
I live close to the shelter and have experienced no adverse occurrences. I really feel that Ashland needs to
extend the service as we still have unhoused people who need transitional housing to get them on their feet
towards independent living. Currently there are 2 single mothers with young children residing in the shelter so it
is really important not to close the facility.
The shelter is a much needed facility. The new location has low impact on neighborhoods. It is an important
piece in the arsenal of care for the most disadvantaged among us.
I am very grateful to my city for having created this place. As the last couple of years have gone by and I did not
see any large scale action to provide a shelter in a permanent location I found myself frustrated about what
appeared to be inactivity. With this new shelter I feel that ASHLAND has done something significant and
meaningful and I applaud the inception of the idea and now the existence of this dwelling! Thank you from a
citizen of Ashland.
I cannot comment on the inner workings of the Homeless Shelter but the effect on the greater community. The
shelter attracts many others that hang about the facility. Some create a lot of trash some disrupt traffic and
others are very aggressive My car was accost.ed by a homeless person who was clearly mentally ill. This
happened whle Iwas at a stop sign waiting to turn into Hwy 66. 1 have witnessed other incidents during my
strolls in the neighborhood and while shopping or using services. It seems like the city is siting all assist for the
homeless and people with mental health issues on the south side of town. This is unfair to us residents who
reside in the south end of town deserve the same safety& quality of life as the rest of town. Use The Grove site
something at the center and north ends of town. Stop using the south end of town for every "NewWave"idea
that the council has. Thank you
I think it will help to address the homeless problem in our community. We need additional shelters. This is a
problem that affects all of us and we must all do our part to remedy the problem.
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The current shelter: It's not an appropriate building or location. There are multiple fire code violations. The
portable toilets violate municipal code. A legal appropriate shelter for 33 people would not violate any fire
codes would have at least one kitchen and at least 6 flush toilets as well as indoor showers. If it had a kitchen it
could also host the Thanksgiving and Christmas peace meals that are lacking a place for this. In addition It's not
fair to neighbors to put two shelters in one neighborhood.
From everything I understand the shelter is not only inadequate but ill appointed. It Does not seem to be solving
any problems and bringing the neighborhood property owners more trouble. I think it should be closed and
another solution explored. It is not solving the problem. It is not meeting the need. And I understand. It is not
meeting code either.
The shelter is a much needed facility. The new location has low impact on neighborhoods. It is an important
piece in the arsenal of care for the most disadvantaged among us.
Please do not change the temperature requirements for the emergency weather shelter. The current
requirements are reasonable and humane. I would like to see cost accounting for the shelter made public.
Operation has not been an issue for us other than it seems to have resulted in closure of backway across rail
tracks to get to Shopping Kart and BiMart. Do think there was a real lack of communication on this prior to the
location decision and wonder why we have 2 of these types of facilities located now in the same area of the city.
I feel the shelter is going terrible. Men peeing in the field facing my granddaughters window. The other night
grandson called his dad into his room because two homeless people yelling and saying they were going to kill
each other. This was on the bike path next to the house. There was a guy walking with a machete. Garbage
under the bridge again. Guy doing drugs putting a plastic bag over his head so he gets a higher high. Lots of
things going on on that end of town up and down the whole street. This is no place for homeless shelter. It's just
attracting more and more homeless. They're walking up and down the street and on the corner by the freeway .
So many stories from neighbors and people that just see the homeless out there. People plus my family
members they want to sell and move somewhere else because this isn't being taken care of. But now property
values have gone down because of this. I won't take my grandkids down that bike path is too dangerous. And it
won't help to just put up walls by the Porta potties. The people are just going out in the field. Makes me so sad.
We've been here for 45 years and to see our little town going in this direction. Some people on the city council
need to know what's right and wrong and stand by it. Letting the marijuana stores open up one everywhere
you think that helps the drugs around here?And then opening up a store for those magic mushrooms you know
where that's going just like the marijuana store. What do you want for your kids? Please consider moving this
to a different location.
Have noticed a lot of people using my apartment parking lot and taking advantage of our trash area and
generally hanging around and acting sketchy. Have seen multiple people urinating and defecating on the streets
or loitering around and making people uncomfortable. Personally I feel unsafe and don't like to walk in this
general area anymore. Upsetting to see my once charming neighborhood turn into such a mess.
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Including a note for 20 years with a high interest rate. Some cities turned down the money until they were
adequately prepared to handle this huge undertaking both financial and moral issues that we now face!
Some of the money came from the state and there is expectation and hopes that more money will come from
the state but to date we do not have that assured nor the amount. The unnamed Shelter has legal issues for
occupancy being a sprinkler system along with window replacement for egress that to date have not been fully
addressed other then to pay$25/hr for a walk around at night. Has there been an RFP to address these
issues? The RFP for Pioneer Hall sprinkler system alone was astronomical. Now they have plans to build a
covered smoking area! We own this building for ten more years and could never recoup the cost if we decided
to sell. I look at this Shelter for 30 people as a continuing huge cost to our city for years to come. Please tell
we citizens how we are to continue this cost and where the money will come from in the event our Gov Kotek
runs out of funds or sends the funds else where?Ten more years? I feel there should have better judgement
and planning before rushing into this complex and over over priced building. Time for the Administration
Mayor and councilors to explain how ...you ..will handle this and at what cost closed we citizens! Driving thru
the shelter I have seen the dumpster overflowing with huge bags of overhanging garbage blowing in the wind
with trash and crows everywhere picking trash and ripping the bags. All the while some setting in circles in
the yard smoking cigarettes! The flimsy see thru panels held down with sand bags...is not covering the porta
pots shower trailer and the table they sit out with a coffee pot for all to enjoy. Are there goals to find
employment for housing educating the children there and a path to move forward for people being housed and
fed on our behalf? Does ORAH staff have the qualifications to guide ones with drug and or mental issues?
Regarding the inclement weather portion of the shelter there has been an influx of people heading to Hunter
Park after morning hours 9:OOam.. Over the last few days several have been ticketed for storing huge amounts
of belongings and sleeping again in the dugouts at Hunter Pk. The city needs to direct its attention for
another Dusk to Dawn type area Hooefuly towards the North side of town to accomodate the unhoused.
My biggest wish is everyone at the shelter pulls their weight works along with the guidance of ORHA.....be able
to help themseves and find a place to live respect and be grateful. Learning to help themselves and not only
looking for someone else to take care of them. Now is the time we are waiting for feedback from the city
the financial planning and the expectations and what to do next!! The best for all....Were Better
I'm not happy with the shelter. It was thrust upon us and we already have the OHRA shelter with its own issues.
Men publicly urinating in yards drug use the mental illness just to name a few. We were told we'd have added
neighborhood patrols and I've seen none.
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We were apprehensive about the shelter since we live in such close proximity to 2200 Ashland St. We still feel
frustration with the lack of transparency in the process for purchasing the building the amount paid and the fact
that the building itself is not up to code. However the shelter itself has not created disruption for us personally.
We are glad that it is providing people with an opportunity to transition into more permanent housing and to
provide warmth and protection for the emergency weather shelter on the coldest nights. We still have concerns
about the potential noise foot traffic and congregation in warmer weather but so far during these cold months
it has been fine. There does seem to be more congregation around the bike path and outside of the shelter
property when residents of the shelter meet up with non-residents and on shower days and inclement weather
days there's more foot traffic. It hasn't really been an issue for us though. We still think it is very important to
address the lighting and fencing at the underpass which we think would alleviate some of the ongoing issues. In
the past week there was a series of car break-ins overnight in our neighborhood which is concerning but there's
not necessarily any connection to the shelter. There have been a few emergency vehicle calls to the shelter
which is somewhat disruptive but we appreciate that the vehicles cut their sirens as soon as they turn into the
lot. We still have flashing emergency lights in our living room and dining room windows but at least we aren't
listening to sirens. We would like to see more economic development in south Ashland and are glad that there
will be an increased police presence which can hopefully help this part of town feel more livable and inviting to
entrepreneurs and to current and potential businesses.
I think is a great example for other places where there's a system that provides specific services for specific
population I think also it is an outlet to families in housing transition to receive specialized support
The shelter in Ashland is providing a critical service to the community. We need it to support people in this area
experiencing hard times. The passionate staff deeply care and make a difference in these people's lives helping
them to achieve some stability and a path to a better life.
I'm opposed to it. Even though Ashlanders are a kind and generous group. Ashland should be attempting to to
attract more tourists than providing more services that attract more homeless.
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