The city council of Portland, Oregon, voted 3 to 1 Wednesday to pass a new ordinance in response to its ongoing homelessness crisis. The ordinance prohibits camping in most public areas during the daytime. Under the revised city code, camping is permitted in nonrestricted areas between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., requiring individuals to dismantle their campsites outside those hours. Additionally, the law prohibits camping near schools, parks, busy streets and other specified locations.
Mostly, the campers are in tents, not RVs. But Oregon’s largest city also has a substantial homeless population living in mostly older RVs on city streets.
Supporters of the ordinance, including business and property owners, pointed out the negative impacts on their establishments and expressed safety concerns. On the other hand, advocates for homeless individuals voiced their worries about increased hardships and the potential negative effects on mental and physical well-being.
The measure aims to strike a balance by aligning with a 2018 federal court ruling that permits reasonable limits on camping, while ensuring the availability of adequate shelter and services for the homeless population. Mayor Ted Wheeler, who proposed the ordinance, applauded the council’s decision as a crucial step toward revitalizing Portland. He emphasized the importance of education and outreach to support the effective implementation of the new regulations.
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Knee jerk reaction! How will this be enforced? With our current population of do gooders they will block any attempt to institute this beyond stupid law.
Portland allowed this to happen and resolution is not going to occur with silly new laws!
hahaha…good luck with that Portland!
Portland never learns from its mistakes. Neither does the state of Oregon.
But I thought Portland was an open arms city!? Everyone is welcome! Criminals are protected! Police are hated, distrusted and defunded. Antifa is lauded as a great movement! You get exactly what you deserve Portland, Seattle and all other cities that welcomed lawlessness. And as citizens of those cities, you voted it in. Enjoy.