PORTLAND, Ore. — In a letter to the administration of the Multnomah County Drug Counseling Center in southeast Portland, the attorney for a nearby preschool is threatening to sue if the county does not stop the center’s planned opening on September 1.
Escuela Viva Community School, which is less than two blocks from the proposed diversion center at 900 SE Sandy Blvd, is “alarmed” by the county’s plans to open a diversion center so close to the school, the letter said.
“Escuela Viva is committed to being a welcoming neighbor, but we are troubled that the Deflection Center proposal has complete disregard for the safety of Escuela Viva’s children and staff. And we are dismayed that you have rushed to the artificial September 1 deadline behind closed doors and without the transparency required by Oregon law,” David Watnick, an attorney with Perkins Coie, said in the letter on behalf of his clients.
The letter also raises concerns that neither Multnomah County nor Tuerk House, the organization charged with operating the center, have plans to employ security personnel or police forces for external security. They fear the diversion center will bring drug use, violent crime and sidewalk camping to the area.
The letter raises further concerns. You can read it in full here:
The school says it may sue Multnomah County, individual members of the leadership team addressed in the letter, and contractors associated with the diversion center if the operation of the center causes harm to students, staff, or the Escuela Viva company.
Escuela Viva Community School has been located at 1111 SE Pine St. since 2010. The letter states that the school serves 75 children who play outside five days a week.
We asked Multnomah County for an interview about the school’s concerns expressed in the letter and the possibility of a lawsuit. They sent us the following statement:
“The letter has been received and is being reviewed by committee members. The County has made clear its commitment to good neighborliness and has held numerous meetings with neighbors, businesses and other stakeholders. The County and members of the Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) and Buckman Community Association (BCA) are working to develop an agreement that will ensure a safe neighborhood and a responsive process when concerns arise. More information will be provided as this process continues.”
