We live across the railroad tracks from the city of Portland’s first proposed mass pod site just off Powell Boulevard in the Central Eastside, (“Neighbors raise concerns about mass tent site planned for Central Eastside,” March 20). Most likely we are within the 1,000-foot circle from this site where no street camping will be allowed. However, it is difficult to know where this 1,000-foot circle is located. It could cut our living room in half.
At first, I was supportive of this 150-person site. We do need to try something to address this situation. But now I question how the city will be able to keep its promise to have no camping nearby. Currently we have an unsanctioned site a half block from our house. There are people making loud noises day and night, with many visitors and, of course, trash. This is definitely within the 1,000-foot circle. Although we and other neighbors have called 311, the Portland Bureau of Transportation and the police, we are told there is not much they can do.
This unsanctioned site is in the two-hour limit parking zone leading to the pedestrian bridge to the MAX station. We have had street campers on this block for over three years.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Transportation Commissioner Mingus Mapps, how are you going to enforce the 1,000-foot circle when you don’t seem to be able to do anything to keep a 2-hour parking zone open and free from camping?
Diana Talcott, Portland
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