Business and property owners in Eugene’s Bethel district have voiced growing frustration with the city’s approach to chronic homelessness. They argue that concentrating services along the Highway 99 corridor has led to increased strain on police, fire departments and local courts, and has hurt nearby businesses.
Background of the strategic plan
In 2019, former Mayor Lucy Vinis announced a partnership with Lane County to create a “strategic plan” aimed at stabilizing the lives of unhoused residents. The plan called for a coordinated effort among city agencies, the county and a network of nonprofit providers.
Since that time, Eugene’s per‑capita homeless count has risen faster than in most U.S. cities, according to recent Point‑in‑Time counts. About 75 % of Lane County’s homeless population now resides in Eugene, with the highest concentration along the Highway 99 corridor in the Bethel neighborhood.
Business owners cite safety and economic impacts
Owners say the influx of chronically unhoused individuals has stretched emergency services to the breaking point. Police officers and firefighters are reportedly handling a higher volume of calls related to homelessness, and the district attorney’s office is seeing a larger caseload of related offenses.
One longtime proprietor noted that the city’s recent payroll safety tax and increased storm‑water fees have added to operating costs, further squeezing small businesses already coping with reduced foot traffic.
City response and ongoing initiatives
Eugene officials maintain that the concentration of services is intentional, designed to provide easier access to housing, health and employment resources. They point to the city’s creation of a dedicated task force to address chronic homelessness in downtown Eugene and recent discussions about grant funding for affected downtown businesses.
County leaders argue that the data show many unhoused residents arrived in Lane County already without shelter, suggesting that the region’s services are a draw for those seeking assistance. They contend that the strategic plan is a necessary response to a statewide housing shortage.
Calls for broader community input
Business owners are urging the city to consider additional task forces or grant programs for neighborhoods like Bethel and Trainsong, which they say have been left out of recent funding discussions. They also request a review of the placement of high‑density services along a major highway, citing safety concerns for both residents and motorists.
City Council members have scheduled a public‑input session to gather feedback on potential revisions to the plan, including possible relocation of services and enhancements to public‑safety resources.
Looking ahead
While the debate continues, both sides agree that homelessness remains a pressing challenge for Eugene and Lane County. The city’s next steps will likely involve balancing the need for accessible services with the economic vitality and safety of local neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
