Buckman Community Association

Washington H.S. Sample Letter

Sample Letter to City Commissioners

February 12, 2004

Commissioner (name of each commissioner)
1221 SW 4th Ave
Portland, OR 97204

Dear Commissioner --------,

I am writing to thank you for your support with the planned Portland Parks and recreation proposal to purchase 4.5 acres of land of the former Washington High School property to hold for the future construction of a Southeast Portland community center. This center with planned aquatics facilities and gym/workout areas will also include a new sports field and park area.

A community center for Southeast Portland has been visioned, planned and promised for years and yet the critical component, where to put it, had been unrealized. With the School District's decision last year to sell the property of the long closed Washington High, the "footprint" for the future center could finally take hold.

The inner eastside neighborhoods have traditionally supported city Parks and school measures and yet have remained underserved in terms of the amenities and services provided to other parts of the city. This purchase supports that effort to finally make good on a long held commitment. Also, this purchase is critical in supporting the City's efforts to provide services that support families within the city. The health of our schools and our neighborhoods depend on keeping families from moving to the suburbs seeking just the kind of facilities and programs that will be a part of this new center.

Community centers are great. They bring people to together for activities, play and projects. This location is central, well served by street and transit and close to the neighborhoods where people live.

Again, I want to thank you for your support of this proposal and I urge all Council members to support what will be the first effort in realizing a long-held need for the unnerved residents of Southeast Portland.

Sincerely Yours,

phone, fax, or send in your letters to commissioners

CITY HALL ADDRESS BELOW:

Mayor Vera Katz
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 340
Portland, OR 97204-1995
503.823.4120 Fax 503-823-3588
mayorkatz@ci.portland.or.us.

Jim Francesconi, City Commissioner
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 220
Portland, OR 97204
503.823.3008 Fax 503-823-3017
jfrancesconi@ci.portland.or.us.

Randy Leonard, City Commissioner
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 210
Portland, OR 97204
503.823.3589 Fax 503-823-4019
randy@ci.portland.or.us.

Erik Sten, City Commissioner
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 240
Portland, OR 97204
503.823.3589 Fax 503-823-3596
erik@ci.portland.or.us.

Dan Saltzman, City Commissioner
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 240
Portland, OR 97204
503.823.4151 Fax 503-823-3036
dsaltzman@ci.portland