Thanks for highlighting this problem. Looking at freeway adjacent areas like the featured Vaughn 405 on-ramp as well as NW 16th in the Overton to Raleigh area, it seems to me that the illegal campers know that ODOT property is a “safe tent zone”- where the city can’t address and the state won’t. Both areas are as bad as I’ve ever seen, and I suspect this is true city-wide.
I emailed Mayor Wilson’s office about this issue last week, and quickly got a response saying they were quite aware of this. Moreover, I happened to run into, and had a brief discussion with,Mayor Wilson yesterday at the James Beard Public Market event with Umatilla County in Pioneer Square. I thanked him for the quick response I received from his office, and if I understood correctly, he said he will be discussing this matter with the Governor tomorrow.
Hopefully by working together they can solve this problem!
On Thursday, the encampments under the 405 in the NW Raleigh and NW Quimby area were removed. From my studio window I watched as Rapid Response crews worked all afternoon, moving people and their belongings out from where the site had been steadily growing. By evening, temporary chain-link fencing was going up across the ODOT-managed parcels between NW 15th and 16th.
What had become a sizeable encampment is now contained, with hopes it won’t be breached and turned into another campsite. Like many of you, I’ve reported this location numerous times, so seeing real action on it feels like a small success for both the Northwest and Pearl District.
But this progress didn’t happen on its own. It took time, persistence, and 4 weeks of repetitive reporting from many, many people. Complaining is just that — it doesn’t shift the bar or make needed changes and accountability.
Which is why the Pearl District Neighborhood Association is launching a new short-term pilot effort that enlists neighbors to adopt a designated street (or a few blocks). Once a day—or more if you’re able—do a quick walk or drive-through and officially report visible issues such as camps or tents, large trash piles, loiterers, sleepers, trespassers, drug use and paraphernalia (including needles), human waste, graffiti, car break-ins, smashed windows, or passed-out individuals.
We are all keen to see our homeless get the help they need – this reporting simply will help keep the city accountable for mitigating the livability concerns that accompany low-barrier shelters when they are unwisely located in high-density residential areas.
I must say—it takes persistence, but those efforts make a difference. Don’t give up. Be an ACTIVE part of the solution to the success of our community. REPORT and stay vigilant.
Thanks for highlighting this problem. Looking at freeway adjacent areas like the featured Vaughn 405 on-ramp as well as NW 16th in the Overton to Raleigh area, it seems to me that the illegal campers know that ODOT property is a “safe tent zone”- where the city can’t address and the state won’t. Both areas are as bad as I’ve ever seen, and I suspect this is true city-wide.
I emailed Mayor Wilson’s office about this issue last week, and quickly got a response saying they were quite aware of this. Moreover, I happened to run into, and had a brief discussion with,Mayor Wilson yesterday at the James Beard Public Market event with Umatilla County in Pioneer Square. I thanked him for the quick response I received from his office, and if I understood correctly, he said he will be discussing this matter with the Governor tomorrow.
Hopefully by working together they can solve this problem!
Take a look below on my report… FYI Portland is responsible for streets and sidewalks under the 405 and ODOT is responsible for the land.
On Thursday, the encampments under the 405 in the NW Raleigh and NW Quimby area were removed. From my studio window I watched as Rapid Response crews worked all afternoon, moving people and their belongings out from where the site had been steadily growing. By evening, temporary chain-link fencing was going up across the ODOT-managed parcels between NW 15th and 16th.
What had become a sizeable encampment is now contained, with hopes it won’t be breached and turned into another campsite. Like many of you, I’ve reported this location numerous times, so seeing real action on it feels like a small success for both the Northwest and Pearl District.
But this progress didn’t happen on its own. It took time, persistence, and 4 weeks of repetitive reporting from many, many people. Complaining is just that — it doesn’t shift the bar or make needed changes and accountability.
Which is why the Pearl District Neighborhood Association is launching a new short-term pilot effort that enlists neighbors to adopt a designated street (or a few blocks). Once a day—or more if you’re able—do a quick walk or drive-through and officially report visible issues such as camps or tents, large trash piles, loiterers, sleepers, trespassers, drug use and paraphernalia (including needles), human waste, graffiti, car break-ins, smashed windows, or passed-out individuals.
To get more information: northrupshellter@gmail.com
We are all keen to see our homeless get the help they need – this reporting simply will help keep the city accountable for mitigating the livability concerns that accompany low-barrier shelters when they are unwisely located in high-density residential areas.
I must say—it takes persistence, but those efforts make a difference. Don’t give up. Be an ACTIVE part of the solution to the success of our community. REPORT and stay vigilant.