New guidelines from Portland, Oregon’s Planning and Sustainability Commission have sparked a major controversy in the city.
Under a proposal introduced to the PSC on Nov. 12, the building design process would require owners to “provide opportunities” to the homeless population “to rest and be welcome.” Many are interpreting the vague language—specifically the “rest and be welcome” requirements—as potentially forcing owners of new commercial and residential real estate to build “spaces” for homeless men and women to camp out on private property, even in apartment buildings.
The idea was originally supported by members of the commission, but received strong pushback upon further discussion from a minority bloc who could still sink the proposal before it reaches the city council for approval.
‘Whether they like it or not’
“It is a plan that could require new Portland buildings to make room for homeless campers on private property whether they want to or not, KATU-TV news anchor Lincoln Graves said in describing the proposal in a recent broadcast.
However, Oriana Magnera, who presented the idea, told her fellow commissioners the city needs “spaces where [homeless] folks can feel supported and safe.”
“The heart of the issue is that we have increasing housing costs and we cannot support all of the people who live here now and are going to live here in the future,” she added, according to Williamette Week.
‘This is going to be quite controversial’
Other commissioners are not convinced the new language is a good idea.
Jeff Bachrach, an attorney and member of the PSC, said, “I’m concerned that this is going to become quite controversial.”
“I think for us to put into design review some loaded words that suggest we want some design commissioners to think about people resting for hours, pitching tents, I think we’re just putting too great of a burden on design review,” Bachrach added, according to KATU.
In a statement, commission chair Katherine Schultz said she and her colleagues need to work out a definition for the word “rest” before moving forward with the idea.
“The Commission will talk about this further at our next work session and will provide suggested language to the Design Commission that helps clarify the intent of the word ‘rest.’ The Design Commission is the recommending body to City Council for proposed new design guidelines,” she said.
A commission meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17.
LETS JUST PILE EVERYBODY ON TOP OF EACH OTHER, THAT WAY, WE DONT HAVE TO “GIVE E OUR LAND”. LAND THAT WAS STOLEN. I THINK WE SHOULD ARM THE HOMELESS, AND TEACH EM THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
THESE ASSHOLES HAVE “DECIDED” THAT AMERICAN KINDNESS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO LACK OF PRIVACY. FOR YOU SHALL “GIVE TIL IT HURTS” WHILE I SIT ON MY GOLD PLATED HANDS AND DIRECT AND RULE”
It’s almost like forced quartering. Third and fourth articles be damned.
Yeah, rents are outrageous with everybody trying to make it. Some landlords exploit; some are struggling like everyone else. I know a guy who built a an eight-unit apt complex with his own hands and his rents are lower than most. Is he to be forced to take care of a problem that is really the problem of the communistic government that pays slave wages while simultaneously inflating the cost of living on so many fronts? This, while it out-sources all our jobs or hires illegals to do what remains?
They are taking the problem they INTENTIONALLY created and putting the burden of it on the middle class. Boxing us in, and the box is getting smaller. It will be interesting to see how Portland handles this. Most likely if the gov gives them enough money, there won’t be too much objection (it’s Portland, after all). And what’s next? Will we be forced to provide the spare room in our home to help out? Force always leaves a bad taste.
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“However, Oriana Magnera, who presented the idea, told her fellow commissioners the city needs “spaces where [homeless] folks can feel supported and safe.”
But… there are all those empty FEMA camps everywhere, waiting to open for ‘business’.
They’re safe, right?