Portland City Council Votes to Foreclose 'Nuisance' Properties: A Milestone in Neighborhood Revitalization

cleanerPhoto byJenny HayutonUnsplash

In a unanimous decision on Wednesday, the Portland City Council took a significant step towards addressing long-standing community concerns by voting to foreclose on six properties that have been deemed nuisances by local residents for years. These properties, plagued by issues ranging from squatting to drug use, have been a source of frustration and safety hazards for their neighbors.

The process leading to this decision began with the city placing liens on the properties due to various code violations. Despite repeated attempts to rectify the situation, the owners failed to address these issues, leading to the foreclosure vote. Now, with the government empowered to take possession of these properties, they can be auctioned off to cover the outstanding liens.

Among the properties slated for foreclosure is one on Southeast Martins Street, which has been a particular concern for nearby resident Ty Schrader. According to Schrader, the property had become a haven for squatters, with as many as 30 people occupying it at one time. While some improvements were made after the city intervened, including the removal of squatters, the problem persisted.

Evidence of drug use, including a used fentanyl test strip found on the premises, highlights the severity of the situation. Schrader, echoing the sentiments of many in the community, expressed relief that action is finally being taken to address the issue. "It's taken a long time," he remarked. "It was a very slow process."

The other five properties earmarked for foreclosure, located on Northeast Halsey Street, Southeast 131st Avenue, North Detroit Avenue, North Kerby Avenue, and North River Street, have their own troubled histories. The North Kerby Avenue property was the site of a fatal house explosion in 2017, while the North River Street location was ravaged by a massive commercial fire that same year, releasing dangerous amounts of asbestos into the air.

During the city council meeting, Commissioner Dan Ryan emphasized the importance of considering the impact on neighboring residents throughout this process. "We need to not forget the customer service we owe to the neighbors of these properties," he remarked.

Commissioner Mingus Mapps acknowledged the challenges ahead in securing and preparing these properties for auction but expressed his commitment to ensuring they remain safe in the interim. "It will take some time before the land will be ready to sell," he noted. "I just want to express my willingness to work with my colleagues to make sure these properties stay clean and safe."

The decision to foreclose on these properties marks a significant milestone in the city's efforts to address nuisance properties and improve the quality of life for its residents. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the unanimous support from the City Council underscores the importance of this initiative and the commitment to revitalizing these troubled areas.