Rosemere Neighborhood Association
On April 9, 2003, the Rosemere Neighborhood Association (RNA) filed a complaint alleging disproportionate adverse impact against their predominantly minority and low income residents caused by the conceptual design of the proposed I-5 Corridor Improvements Project managed by WSDOT and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). RNA alleged that the design of the proposed project involves major displacements in their neighborhood, particularly “K” street, causing the type of high and disproportionate adverse environmental impact prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and EO 12898 on Environmental Justice.
The Title VI Coordinator and the Planning Manager at WSDOT’s Southwest Region in Vancouver, WA addressed RNA’s issue internally. According to the information obtained by the Title VI Coordinator, the proposed complained-of project is in its very early stages of conception meaning that no final decision on the actual design has been made at this time. It was also found that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) stage of the highway construction process had not started for the project in question. It is during the EIS process that members of the impacted community, such as RNA, receive opportunities to provide input during the public consultation process associated with the project. According to project records reviewed, RNA is part of the roster of organizations invited to become part of the public consultation process.
In a communication dated June 4, 2003, WSDOT informed Mr. Dvija Bertish, Chairman, RNA, that the informal process conducted to address RNA’s allegations demonstrated that it was too early in the project development process to claim a violation of Title VI or EO 12898. In other words, the complained-of design for the proposed project was a conceptual; preliminary one and subject to modifications resulting from the upcoming EIS public involvement process. Mr. Bertish was advised to keep RNA involved in the public consultation process and to provide input on the project. WSDOT’s OEO will monitor the EIS process for this project to ensure opportunities for meaningful public participation are offered to all impacted communities including the Rosemere neighborhood.
