Neighbors frustrated by MultCo.'s 'vague' deflection center plans

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland neighbors in the Buckman Neighborhood are voicing their frustration and confusion over a new deflection center set to open in September.

In a meeting between residents who will live near the new facility and Multnomah County Commissioners Wednesday, many questioned whether enough planning was done before the Sept. 1 opening date was set.

Kathleen Cook, a newer neighbor in the area, told KOIN 6 News she felt none of her questions were sufficiently answered during the meeting.

"I'm looking for more substance and a little more detail on those actual items," she said. "I personally really don't understand. I feel like there needs to be much more planning before implementation."

The deflection center comes as Multnomah County is implementing a system by which those arrested for small amounts of hard drugs will be given the option of choosing whether they would like to go to jail or receive treatment for a substance use disorder. This is in light of the recently passed HB 4002, which re-introduces the criminalization of hard drugs in Oregon while still allowing individual counties to opt into a treatment-focused approach.

Though the deflection center, located on Southeast Sandy Boulevard, is being championed by Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, others on the Board have echoed neighbors' sentiments about feeling left in the dark in the process.

For instance, Commissioner Sharon Meieran asked Multnomah County HB 4002 Advisor Alisha Temple whether the legislature actually required opening a physical center to implement the deflection program.

"There's not a legal requirement in the bill that we create a deflection center," Temple said.

Commissioner Meieran, an emergency room doctor, said she thinks the current timeline for opening the center is unrealistic from a medical standpoint.

"I have seen the presentation three times now and it doesn't get any less vague. And it doesn't give any more information. And I think that's where neighbors are getting frustrated," Meieran said.

"You can say that you're committed to being a good neighbor, I would say that starts right now," Cook said.

KOIN 6 News reached out to Chair Vega Pederson for comment Wednesday afternoon but she said couldn't do an interview the same day. Questions about the deflection center are expected to be addressed at a July 25 Multnomah County Board Meeting.