2008 Woodie Awards
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Measure can help Eugene's downtown to flourish
Letter to the Editor
I'm writing to voice my support for Measure 20-134.
I am a graduate student in the University's architecture department, I've also had the good fortune to spend time in some of the most interesting cities in the world: New York, San Francisco, London, Tokyo and Portland. These cities share an important aspect: They've found ways to attract housing and businesses that attract people. I'm not suggesting Eugene emulate these cities, I'm suggesting that Eugene has some very important lessons to learn from how these cities work. What we need in downtown Eugene - and right away - is not a big city feel, but actions to get parks, housing, thriving businesses and people downtown.
Right now, downtown Eugene is plagued with empty storefronts, homelessness, drugs and violence. Any architecture student can tell you that a proven way to address safety and blight is to get a more diverse mix of people and businesses in the area. This makes a community more open, more populated and much more safe. Also, bringing more people and commerce downtown means a stable economy: one that will be able to provide lasting services for people who are homeless and people facing drug issues.
Imagine what a safer, more vibrant Downtown Eugene might be...it could be the place where children, students, working professionals and seniors all co-exist and keep the neighborhood safe for everyone because rich diversity prevails.
Please vote yes on Measure 20-134.
Ellen McCormick
University student
I am a graduate student in the University's architecture department, I've also had the good fortune to spend time in some of the most interesting cities in the world: New York, San Francisco, London, Tokyo and Portland. These cities share an important aspect: They've found ways to attract housing and businesses that attract people. I'm not suggesting Eugene emulate these cities, I'm suggesting that Eugene has some very important lessons to learn from how these cities work. What we need in downtown Eugene - and right away - is not a big city feel, but actions to get parks, housing, thriving businesses and people downtown.
Right now, downtown Eugene is plagued with empty storefronts, homelessness, drugs and violence. Any architecture student can tell you that a proven way to address safety and blight is to get a more diverse mix of people and businesses in the area. This makes a community more open, more populated and much more safe. Also, bringing more people and commerce downtown means a stable economy: one that will be able to provide lasting services for people who are homeless and people facing drug issues.
Imagine what a safer, more vibrant Downtown Eugene might be...it could be the place where children, students, working professionals and seniors all co-exist and keep the neighborhood safe for everyone because rich diversity prevails.
Please vote yes on Measure 20-134.
Ellen McCormick
University student
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