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Published By Your City Hall |
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Concentrating on Solutions for Complicated Community Challenges
In my position as Coos Bay’s Mayor, I get the pleasure of talking with many citizens. During those conversations I get asked questions which run the gamut of topics. One of the common topics is homelessness. Homelessness in our community has become much more visible over the last several years and the related impacts have become more widespread.
Homelessness is a community issue in many cities across the nation. It is hard to imagine, but according to data gathered in 2020, there are over half a million people who are considered homeless in our nation and over 1,200 in Coos County alone. Homelessness is a complicated social issue and there are many contributing factors causing some of our citizens to become and/or stay homeless. In my opinion, some of the reasons include the lack of affordable housing, a failed state mental health system, the rise in substance abuse and addiction in our country, etc. Sadly, there are many in our community who are homeless and living on the streets, inside vehicles, and on other people’s property.
 Many citizens are unaware that recent legislation and court rulings now restrict law enforcement’s ability to address homeless encampments, especially when it occurs on public land. Some of the recent legislation and court rulings include the following:
- In a 2018 decision (Martin v. Boise), the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that cities cannot enforce anti-camping ordinances if they do not have enough homeless shelter beds available for their homeless population. The decision was based on the Eighth Amendment to the US Constitution’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
- Last year, Oregon Legislators passed House Bill (HB) 3115 and codified Martin v. Boise into state laws regulating the acts of sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry in outdoor public places with regards to persons experiencing homelessness. HB3115 prohibits Oregon cities and counties from creating ordinances that are stricter and not objectively reasonable as to time, place, and manner with regards to persons experiencing homelessness.
- Oregon Legislators also passed House Bill (HB) 3124, which requires law enforcement to post a 72-hour notice prior to removal of an illegal homeless camp and/or related property. In addition, at time of removal, law enforcement is required to notify the agency that provides services to the homeless population, as well as retrieve and securely store any items that reasonably appear to have value. These items must be hauled to a safe and secure location, kept for 30 days, and made available to be reclaimed.
It is certainly not a crime to be homeless and I don’t believe all those who are homeless are criminals, far from it. But sadly, there are some of our homeless population, just as there are some of our sheltered community members, who commit crimes. A local factor, which has hampered our law enforcement officers, has been the lack of available jail space at the Coos County Jail. Over the past several years, the Coos County Jail has operated at well under its physical bed capacity. Capacity has also been limited due to COVID-19 restrictions and more recently due to limited jail staffing. More often than not, officers can do little more than cite and release those caught committing crimes as our officers are unable to lodge the offenders at the jail.
 On another front, we are realizing the effects of Measure 110 (passed by Oregon voters in 2020) which made Oregon the first state in the nation to decriminalize personal possession of nearly all drugs. It saddens me to know that Oregon has the second-highest addiction rates in the nation, and we are in the unenviable position of being first in the nation for methamphetamine and prescription opioid use. According to our law enforcement personnel, some of our community members, both those sheltered and those unsheltered, support their addictions through criminal activities. Again, while a good many arrests are made, the County’s limited availably of jail beds in turn limits our officers to citing and releasing criminal offenders, leaving them in the community to reoffend.
It is often easy to assume that nothing is being done to address the housing crisis, homelessness and addiction related crime. Nothing could be further from the truth! Next week’s article will be dedicated to sharing what the City of Coos Bay is doing in the wake of these community issues. In addition, I have scheduled a Town Hall meeting on Monday, July 25, 2022, where a panel will share the issues listed in this article as well as what steps we can take to improve these community problems. There will be time set aside for public comments/questions. The Town Hall meeting will be held in the Council Chambers starting at 5:30 pm.
-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay
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Extending the Waterfront Walkway Near Coos History Museum
 The developers of Coos Bay Village constructed a concrete walkway path for the public along the waterfront adjacent to Coos Bay Village. Recently, the Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency (URA) completed the Coos Bay Front Street Blueprint which, in part, is aimed at improving connectivity between the City's Boardwalk and Coos Bay Village.
Last month, the Coos Bay URA approved a grant request from the Coos History Museum which will be used to extend the waterfront walkway from Coos Bay Village to the southern edge of their property. Construction workers were on site and began working on the project earlier this week. This project will add 450 linear feet to the waterfront walkway. The walkway will be eight feet wide, and the project will include a 216’ long retaining wall, an ADA compliant ramp on the southern end of the property, and an ADA ramp and stairs to connect to the Coos Bay Village walkway.
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New Taco Bell Gains Site Approval
Construction on a new Taco Bell restaurant is getting underway. The local franchise owner has received all the necessary land use approvals and permits for their new outlet, which will be built near the intersection of Newmark Avenue and Norman Avenue. Preliminary site work began earlier this week.
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Housing Production Strategy Kickoff
Another City Council step to facilitate Coos Bay housing
 Consistent with the City Council’s goal to increase the City’s housing supply, work has commenced on a Housing Production Strategy. Funded by the Oregon Department of Land, Conservation and Development and following on the heels of the 2020/2021 Coos Bay Housing Needs Analysis, many land use regulation amendments have been made to the City to facilitate housing development. However, by State mandate and Council commitment, there is more to be done.
Upon completion, the Housing Production Strategy (Strategy) will ensure or incentivize production of needed housing by price point for rent and ownership. Other Strategy requirements include but are not limited to examining the numbers and needs of the housed and unhoused Coos Bay population, housing barriers, market, social, economic and demographic trends, and identifying measures already adopted by the City to promote housing.
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 Coos Art Museum presents two solo oil painting exhibitions during a free art show on Friday, July 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Christine Hanlon, “Anthropocene Legacy” in the Mabel Hansen Gallery and Colleen Goodwin-Chronister, “Rocks, Rocks, Rocks!” in the Uno E. Richter Gallery.
Christine Hanlon's oil paintings have been compared to Edward Hopper. She creates ‘urban landscapes which quietly exude atmosphere.’ Her painting is inspired by the Old Masters, especially from their use of chiaroscuro and geometry, utilizing proportions like the Golden Section and other ratios to create dynamic and harmonious compositions.
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  The Coos Bay Downtown Association (CBDA) is calling all artists, crafters, chefs, designers, makers and even more types of booths to be vendors at the upcoming Blackberry Arts Festival. The Festival will take place in the heart of historic downtown on Central Avenue between Highway 101 and Fourth Street next month on August 27-28. The Blackberry Arts Festival is a juried art show with all of the vendors going through an approval process in an effort to limit the event to vendors who provide hand made goods. The CBDA is looking for vendors for this fun and free event for the community. You can check out the application and get more information about the Blackberry Arts Festival from their website.
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Shows Upcoming at the Egyptian Theatre
 A double feature weekend is brought to you by Every Child Coos, along with our community partners. Join us for a family fun evening watching Despicable Me on July 22, and Despicable Me 2 on the 23. This event is free to the public, however, donations are gladly accepted to help support our kids in care. The movies start at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
The Princess Bride will show on July 29 at 7 p.m. and July 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This action/fairytale/comedy has been a favorite of many. Please note there are a few scenes that may be scary for younger children.
 Tickets can be purchased at the box office on the day and time of the movie. Concession will be available as well as Egyptian Theatre merchandise. The Despicable Me films and The Princess Bride are are rated PG so please be advised.
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Join in on Summer Reading at the Library
Summer Reading for all ages is going strong at the Coos Bay Public Library. During the first two weeks, over 550 people have participated in programs ranging from robotics to fishing, to concerts with puppet friends. There is still plenty of time to sign up and participate. Stop by the Library, sign up, and start your summer reading journey. Each participant receives a free book at signup along with a game board full of interesting challenges and adventures. Remember this program is for all ages. For more information, call 541-269-1101 or stop in at the library.
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Library Hosts Hike at South Slough
 Come for a walk in the woods and explore the flora and fauna on some of South Slough’s most popular trails. The two-mile loop is well maintained and relatively level. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water and snacks. This event will happen rain or shine. Unfortunately, the trails cannot accommodate strollers, so please come prepared if you have small children. If you need transportation, please pre-register by 6 p.m. on Friday, July 15. You can register on the Library’s website or call 541-269-1101.
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 The Oregon Coast Music Association is thrilled to bring back a full-orchestra concert season this July. As our community is recovering from the past two pandemic ravaged years, the festival celebration will feature a variety of live music. Opening with a free concert at Mingus Park on July 16, other performances venues include the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology Boat House, 7 Devils Brew Pub, Shore Acres Gardens, and three full orchestra concerts at Marshfield High School. More information on all of the concerts can be found at oregoncoastmusic.org. Tickets can be purchased online, by visiting the OCMA office at 235 Anderson Ave (Coos Art Museum), or by phoning 541-267-0938.
You are also invited to read the story behind this year's poster, Tidal Rave of Rockfish.
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Codes/Planning Specialist (Full-Time)
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Codes/Planning Specialist. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office or email at administration@coosbay.org. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by telephone 541-269-8912, or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website. The deadline for receiving applications is 5 p.m. on August 5, 2022. For complete announcement, click below.
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