Two years ago we joined a volunteer park adoption group through the Eugene <br />Park Stewards program. As a family, we have been part of a dozen work parties <br />to transform the once abandoned hazelnut orchard at the end of McClure Lane <br />into a productive arid safe place. . <br />Six years ago I served on the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Lower River <br />Road Concept Plan, an effort between residents, community leaders, city <br />officials and professional planners. During my several months on th,e board, <br />got a- chance to take an in-depth look at the strengths and needs of the lower <br />River Road neighborhood, with an emphasis -on options for transportation and <br />commercial viability. It became clear that the neighborhood's typically large <br />lots, which at first glance seem ideal,.sometimes come.at the cost of walkability <br />and adequate,density to support certain desirable neighborhood amenities. <br />All of the neighborhood projects I have been involved with would happily <br />welcome more helping hands. The school can always use a small army of <br />volunteers, the ivy and blackberries along the river seem to be ever gaining on <br />us, and safety is a persistent issue. Daily garbage pick-up along the river is part <br />of our routine. We have removed or reported an elaborate inventory of unsavory <br />found objects in the West bank river front park, items that threaten it as a <br />welcoming place for families, children and nature lovers, <br />While many, many community-minded individuals now live here, I know that the <br />neighborhood, the street and park, needs more watchful eyes and willing <br />hands, more caring hearts. I have witnessed the Oakleigh Meadow members to <br />possess- abundant caring-and willingness. Membership in cohousing demands <br />an above average level of participation and organization.. Building Cohousing <br />demands an extraordinary doggedness a_nd tenacity in its members. Over time,. <br />this translates into positive neighborhood improvement. In addition, Oakleigh <br />Meadow Cohousing will have a number of active retired people, folks who have <br />that extra measure of time to notice and attend to that which needs to be done. <br />I visited many cohousing communities in the last few years. Established <br />cohousing communities take on civic improvements, emergency preparedness, <br />and consistently care for their own land and people as well as the public- spaces <br />and neighbors around them. <br />I am dearly looking forward to the. day my family, (husband, young daughter <br />and venerable mother-in-law) and I can easily wander over to the common <br />house, through gardens and to Oakleigh Lane. I look forward to a connected <br />play place for my daughter, some great meals, some righteous Scrabble games,. <br />and an expanded meaning of home. <br />Thank you, <br />Joan Connolly <br />967- <br />