PORTLAND, Ore. – A demonstration highlighting problems that result from demolition and redevelopment is planned for this afternoon in the middle of what has been one of the most affected areas over the past few years.
Nearby redevelopment. Photo credit: Portland Chronicle
Demonstrators plan to meet at the intersection of North Williams Avenue and Fremont Street as part of a monthly demonstration at “key sites” across the city as well as active demolition sites.
“This area has become one targeted by developers, and the rapid growth and gentrification is causing displacement of residents and long-time businesses there,” organizers from Stop Demolishing Portland said of the event’s locale. “Our goal on Friday is to support them, while sending a message to the city’s leadership that we will tolerate no more.”
The group highlights affordable housing, health issues with demolitions, new-builds lacking the character of their surrounding neighborhoods, transportation problems with increased density, as well as a lack of enforcement of city code during the demolition and construction processes.
“We’ve been observing a house in North Portland, for example, that was left for several days with a skip-loader and debris covering the sidewalk and street,” organizers said. “This heavy equipment sat there, stuck into a partially-smashed house, for several days, with no fencing or barrier around it.”
House at 4319 N. Borthwick. Photo credit: contributed photo
House at 4319 N. Borthwick. Photo credit: contributed photo
The demonstration will begin at 4 p.m. at the intersection of North Williams Avenue and Fremont Street. For more information visit Stop Demolishing Portland.
The location of the demonstration is near a site reported on by the Portland Chronicle in March. Between two blocks, 360 residential units are in development on property formerly home to three residential dwellings.
Also nearby this site is a planned demolition of a 1909 home for micro-apartments.