Note: Setting this team up would likely require a fee of at least $15/yr or $1.25/month to your household. Please keep that in mind before sining!
June 14, 2018
Medford Mayor and City Council members
City of Medford, Oregon
Medford Needs Efforts to improve Livability
A disruptive population present in central Medford and along the Greenway is creating a perceived attitude of a negative environment for Medford's livability and general perception of a lack of safety. The "Livability Team" proposal under consideration by the Medford Council needs to be approved and adequately funded.
Recent surveys of Medford residents and businesses, a project sponsored by the City of Medford and conducted by SOU MBA students, clearly documented the negative impacts this small but disruptive population is having on Medford's livability. Among the Medford residents responding to the survey almost 60% reported avoiding some areas in Medford and the Greenway as a result of their feelings of apprehension and fears for their safety and livability. Additionally the residents highlight their view that drug and alcohol abuse are major factors influencing their concerns about Medford's livability. From the same survey project Medford businesses reported negative impacts on their businesses such as vandalism, human waste and loss of business. A significant portion of the businesses also reported consideration of relocating their business to avoid this disruptive population. Businesses, like the residents, also consider drug and alcohol abuse a long with mental health issues as substantial negative impacts on their views of livability in central Medford.
SPARC Central Medford, a group focused on supporting actions to improve livability in Central Medford, strongly supports the "Livability Team" proposal before your Council. The Livability Team project proposed initiatives along with other necessary actions, many already part of SPARC's mission plan such as parking and transportation improvements, amenities such as the hanging flower baskets, redevelopment to expand multi-sector housing and commercial developments, and stronger connections between Central Medford and its adjacent neighborhoods can make Medford a beacon for livability and welcoming to all!
We urge your action to support the Livability Team proposal!
Sincerely,
SPARC Central Medford
