PORTLAND — The Central Eastside Together organization has issued a stern warning to Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson regarding the impending opening of the Coordinated Care Pathway Center, previously referred to as the deflection center. This facility, located at 900 SE Sandy Blvd., is designed to serve as a receiving center for individuals stopped for drug possession, providing them with the option to seek treatment instead of facing jail time.
The center was expected to open on September 1, coinciding with the resumption of arrests for drug possession under House Bill 4002, which repealed significant portions of Measure 110. However, concerns have been raised by local business leaders and residents, who fear that the absence of a “good neighbor” agreement could lead to negative impacts on the surrounding community.
In a letter to Vega Pederson, Carolyne Holcomb, executive director of Central Eastside Together, emphasized that the organization would not allocate any of its security teams or cleaning crews to manage the potential consequences of the center’s operations. “Since our initial meeting on July 23 with county staff, the GNA committee has invested over 80 hours trying to establish this agreement. Unfortunately, our discussions with the HB 4002 Leadership Team have been obstructed, and you did not attend any meetings,” Holcomb stated.
A representative for Vega Pederson clarified that Commissioner Sharon Meieran was appointed to represent the county board in discussions about the good neighbor agreement, asserting that the chair’s senior staff had participated in all related meetings. However, Meieran countered this narrative, stating, “I have attended meetings as I continue to represent my constituents, whom the Chair has disrespected at every turn.”
Today, Meieran, alongside City Council candidate Vadim Mozyrsky, held a press conference in front of the Pathway Center to voice their concerns about the lack of attention to neighborhood issues surrounding the center. “If operated properly, the deflection center can help people impacted by drug addiction,” they remarked. “However, success seems unlikely given the current pattern of poor planning and inadequate community involvement.”
Holcomb’s letter highlighted significant communication issues, noting that she received the final plan for safety measures around the Pathway Center only five days before the announcement of its opening. “Given the lack of precise planning for maintaining clean and safe conditions around the deflection center, the county should not expect to rely on our enhanced service providers,” she wrote. Holcomb added that while their services are dedicated to the district, she is prepared to discuss potential financial support from the county to address the challenges posed by the center’s presence.
Portland has three enhanced service districts, with the Inner Eastside being the largest. Property owners in these districts contribute fees that fund additional cleaning and security efforts.
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