Preschool threatens to sue Multnomah County over deflection center planned nearby

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Southeast Portland preschool near where a deflection center is set to open next month is threatening to sue Multnomah County.

In a letter sent to officials on Thursday, Perkins Coie Attorney David Watnick expressed concerns with the county’s plans to open the center on 900 Southeast Pine St. — about one block away from Escuela Viva Community School.

The attorney said the community is “alarmed” by the idea of a facility for hard-drug users being located so close to a playground that holds 75 children throughout the week. He also stated the organization that will operate the deflection center has confirmed its security guards won’t work outside of the building.

“The proposal for the deflection center is to bring in… people who are addicted to fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine from the entire county, bring them to this site [and] offer them a referral,” Watnick told KOIN 6. “Our reasonable expectation is that this is going to invite a flood of drug trafficking, drug use and crime into the neighborhood.”

According to the attorney, officials are rushing to open the center on Sept. 1 because that’s when House Bill 4002 — the bill that recriminalizes possession of small amounts of illicit drugs — goes into effect. But Watnick said the county isn’t legally required to open the center by that deadline.

He additionally referred to Portland Police Chief Bob Day’s own concerns about the center. In a letter sent in late July, Day asked Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson to prioritize a 24/7sobering center — which isn’t currently included in the plans for the deflection facility.

The police chief also noted that the neighborhood where the center will be located, the Central Eastside District, already holds multiple service organizations.

Watnick urged county officials to pause their plans to open the center in just a few weeks.

“If you do not, we will pursue all appropriate measures to prevent the opening of the Deflection Center, including litigation,” he wrote.

Here is the county's full statement on the letter.

The letter has been received and will be reviewed by members of the committee. The County has been vocal about its commitment to being a good neighbor 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 moving towards establishing an agreement that guarantees a safe neighborhood and a responsive process when concerns arise. More information will be shared as this process continues.