A visual report by NorthParkBlocks.org Portland’s North Park Blocks (and other public spaces) are now experiencing an unprecedented influx of crime led by gangs of drug dealers as well as abnormally large numbers of mentally ill and drug addled vagrants threatening our safety. This is not an indictment of the homeless community, instead an attempt to shine a light on a growing and vibrant criminal element who are smart and organized – taking advantage of the truly indigent and needy.

1. CRIME & SAFETY IN NORTH PARK BLOCKS 8/18/15
Crime & Safety In The
North Park Blocks PDX
CONCERNED CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES
NORTHPARKBLOCKS.ORG/
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NW Park & Davis

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Portland’s North Park Blocks (and other public spaces) are
now experiencing an unprecedented influx of crime led by
gangs of drug dealers as well as abnormally large numbers
of mentally ill and drug addled vagrants threatening our
safety.
This is not an indictment of the homeless community,
instead an attempt to shine a light on a growing and
vibrant criminal element who are smart and organized –
taking advantage of the truly indigent and needy.
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Heroin Addicts shooting up in Park

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We have reached a tipping point as a
City and we need immediate action…

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Right on Burnside - South
side of Park

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1. Safety
• It is common-place to be harassed and physically threatened as you walk through our
once vibrant neighborhoods.
• There is open drug dealing, drinking, drug use, fights and other disturbances.
• Inebriated individuals often collapse on the sidewalks.
• Thieves brazenly cut the locks off bicycles in broad daylight, and break into cars right
outside our windows.
• We can no longer advise visitors to walk a few blocks from their downtown hotel to our
businesses or allow our children to play in the park, for fear of their safety.
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Heroin Addicts shooting up in Park

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Heroin Addicts shooting up in Park

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Known Drug Dealer – Flanders & Park

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2. Sanitation
• We are finding human feces, used (potentially infected) drug needles,
bottles filled with urine and used tampons in our doorways and in our
parking lots.
• The park and streets are filling with trash, and there is a noticeable
stench in the area.
• People are freely having sex in wide open areas - in our doorways of our
buildings and on makeshift beds they have created on the street and in
the park.
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NW Flanders between Park and 9th

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3. Financial losses
• The residents of this neighborhood have made substantial investments in their
homes and businesses, and pay considerable taxes to the city of Portland.
• This situation negatively impacts the value of our holdings and is already
affecting the foot traffic into our business establishments, driving our
customers away.
• This directly affects the city coiffeurs – for without our prosperity, there is less
money to effectively run the city.
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R2C Group Entryway – Park and Davis

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R2C Group Entryway – Park & Davis

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4. Threat to Portland’s reputation
• Portland was on its way to becoming a premier city to visit and to live. However it is now
an embarrassment to bring out-of-town visitors to the downtown area – especially our
parks. Visitors particularly this summer - are shocked at the condition of our once fine
city.
• There are two hotels under construction on the North Park Blocks. Imagine the impact of
visitors seeing a city that now resembles a third-world country? The viability of these
projects could well depend on solving this problem.
• The situation is reaching a point where residents and neighborhood businesses will have
to consider relocating for the safety and health of their families, employees and
customers.
• Bad press is coming. The next NY Times article may not focus on our fine food and wine,
but instead the disgusting stench and lack of safety in our city.
• Once the reputation of our city is impugned, it will be very difficult to get it back. We
must act soon!
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In front of PNCA “Art House” Park
corner Couch / Park

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Family with three daughter pitching tent
on Park at Burnside

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In Park near Burnside / NW 8th

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Immediate Requests:
• Create near term housing for truly needy – repurpose Wapato
Facility as a pilot program
• Allow Police to enforce existing laws in our parks and on our
streets (no camping and sanitation)
• Create “Drug Impact Area” of ½ mile radius around North Park
Blocks and work to eliminate drug dealing in Park
• Schedule a Citywide Town Hall forum – to discuss long term
solutions
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Outside Emerson School – Park/Couch

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Park & Everett

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Playground outside of Emerson School

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