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Residents urge Eugene council to oppose federal fence, raise safety concerns at Garden Way preschool during public comment
Summary
At a 90‑minute public comment period April 27, residents urged the council to resist a planned temporary fence at the downtown Federal Building, called for creative noncooperation, and one speaker alleged she reported possible abuse at a local preschool to police.
EUGENE, Ore. — Dozens of residents used the Eugene City Council’s April 27 public comment period to press elected officials to resist a planned temporary security fence at the downtown Federal Building and to raise neighborhood safety concerns, including an allegation that a Garden Way School preschool worker had engaged in inappropriate conduct.
Mayor (speaker 1) opened the meeting with a statement acknowledging the GSA’s plan to install a temporary security fence around the Federal Building and said the city "has no jurisdiction over the federal government on federal property" but that city staff installed a temporary pedestrian path on Pearl Street "to ensure that public access and basic accessibility are maintained." The mayor urged de‑escalation and affirmed the city’s commitment to community values.
During public comment, Olivia Bell (Ward 4) told the council, "ICE continues to terrorize our communities across the country, including our community and our city," and urged council members to "be creative" and take stronger action than simply citing a lack of jurisdiction. Multiple speakers echoed calls for noncooperation with federal authorities and urged the city to use any available leverage to block or slow the fence project.
Several commenters also framed the issue as a civil‑liberties and free‑speech concern. Bien Quasansa (Springfield) said protesters at the Federal Building were exercising First Amendment rights and asked the council to "do everything you can to resist the building of this fence."
Other comments combined local proposals with protest concerns: one speaker said organizers had collected more than 150 signatures for a Pearl Street pedestrian promenade between 6th and 7th and asked the city to work with proponents to realize that concept as an alternative use of the street.
Separately, Amanda Wahlberg told council she had provided footage to staff and had reported to police and the police auditor allegations of sexual misconduct and other safety problems at Garden Way School/Garden Way Church preschool. "I've reported all of this to the police," she said, and asked for stronger citizen oversight and investigation. The transcript records the allegation and Wahlberg’s statement that she had filed reports; council and staff did not provide an investigative response during the meeting.
Other speakers, including Pete Goldlust and Jacob Griffin, urged more assertive local action to "slow down" federal activity and criticized what they described as bureaucratic excuses for inaction. Councilor Yeh thanked those who came to support peaceful protest and Councilor Keating encouraged residents to engage neighborhood associations and boards.
The council did not take formal action on the federal building fence during the meeting. The mayor closed public comment and adjourned the meeting after councilors offered brief responses.
