Sidewalks opening up in Portland's Future?

 

                                                          Tents in Portland lined up in the streets (www.wcvb.com)

Portland has, for a little less than the past decade, been known for the tent cities and tents that fill the streets and sidewalks of the city. In recent history (March 2023) Propositions for laws that prevent street camping form 8am to 8pm have been proposed. By 2024 it is to be said that all Sidewalk and street blocking tents will be breaking the law and enforced upon. The city had created 6 new encampments meant for houseless individuals that need a lawful place to stay in their tents. 

The real question is will this be enforced? It seems that the state courts have passed and approved the removal of people in tents in streets and sidewalks based of the disabilities act because they block accessible travel paths for those with wheelchairs and other means of transportation. They have received the Government funding to enforce movements of tent camping in the city. I honestly question if this will actually be enforced still.

    

As a Portland resident I have seen police or PBOT enforcers trying to get homeless individuals in tents to move with very little success besides leading to an arrest, which is frowned upon in many social circles within Portland. It is an interesting issue that will definitely either develop as the removement of tent cities along busy city streets begins if it does begin at all. 

While many Portlanders are actually split on what to do with homelessness as an issue it does seem that tents in city along major and busy streets portrays as an issue for the majority of locals. Whether it stem from the trash, fecal matter, or obstruction to walking paths, there are reasonable issues to be brought up when discussing why the tents are an issue. In relation to that, how can we create a place for the people, trash, and fecal matter that is available for all individuals? These are the questions law makers and NGO's are trying to figure out.

By Christian Riley Fuller

For more information visit: https://apnews.com/article/daytime-camping-ban-homeless-portland-93d777405b45de4805c06aa1ae31c334