Community leader blasts deflection center plan for Buckman neighborhood

In a recent government meeting, community member Rick Johnson voiced strong opposition to the proposed deflection drop-off center at 900 Southeast Sandy, located in the Buckman neighborhood. Johnson, a long-time resident, expressed concerns about the lack of community involvement in the decision-making process and highlighted that the center's location does not meet essential criteria, such as proximity to a hospital.

Johnson argued that the Buckman neighborhood is already shouldering a significant burden of social services and that the introduction of the deflection center would exacerbate existing challenges. He warned that the center could lead to an influx of individuals struggling with addiction, potentially overwhelming local businesses and adjacent neighborhoods. He criticized the structure of the center, suggesting it would effectively decriminalize drug use without providing necessary treatment for those in need.

Additionally, Johnson raised issues regarding transparency in the decision-making process, noting that Commissioner Sharon Myerman, who represents the Buckman area, has been excluded from closed-door meetings involving key officials. He called for greater public awareness and involvement in local governance, emphasizing that the community deserves better representation and communication regarding such significant developments.

Johnson concluded his remarks by urging the county to collaborate with residents to address these concerns, advocating for a solution that benefits both the vulnerable population of addicts and the taxpayers of Portland.