(PORTLAND, OR.) — Debate over proposed amendments to the Chronic Nuisance Property Code is a key issue on the agenda this week.
But first, Minoru Yasui Day was celebrated, honoring Yasui's legacy of civil rights activism and calling for action against historical and present injustices.
"The City Council meeting on March 18th was marked by a pre-gavel celebration of Minoru Yasui Day, honoring a civil rights icon and calling for continued vigilance against injustice,” OpGov.news reports.
Lynn Fuchigami Parks thanks the council for the proclamation.
Photo Credit: CVTV
“We wanted to thank you for your proclamation recognizing Min but also calling out past and present injustices. Now we must do our part to correct them because in Min’s words, ‘if we believe in America, if we believe in equality and democracy, if we believe in law and justice, then each of us, when we see or believe errors are being made, have an obligation to make every effort to correct them’,” Parks says.
As with last week’s meeting, public communication brought many issues before the council.
Karen Shirai, a business owner in District 4 (Stadium Superette), highlights the severe impact of crime and homelessness, with 35 businesses closing in a four-block radius in two years.
“I am dealing with ongoing crime, and the consensus of a lot of the businesses is that very thing, crime and safety. I don’t know what else to do other than continue arresting the people that commit these crimes. I’m up to 26 people as of the Sunday before last that I’ve had arrested since last April,” Shirai says.
Photo Credit: CVTV
Shirai questions the effectiveness of current spending on homelessness and SNAP benefits, advocating for stronger measures like bringing back Neighborhood Watch and Reserve police programs to increase 'boots on the ground' and prevent further business closures.
Another community member, Jack Dickinson critically analyzes the proposed Moda Center renovations, citing research that stadium deals often do not provide economic benefits to host communities. He questions the mayor’s reliance on figures provided by Blazers lobbyists and urges the council to prioritize public interest over the private interests of the team,” Dickinson says.
Photo Credit: CVTV
“I feel I need to remind you of a simple fact. You work for the city of Portland. You do not work for the Portland Trailblazers. By all means find and exploit the areas where those interests align, but don’t assume they’re aligned all the time,” Dickinson urges.
City Administrator Raymond Lee has no new updates concerning the Macadam ICE facility this week. See the most recent update here.
The main session quickly moves into contentious debate over a proposed amendment to the Chronic Nuisance Property Code, aimed at addressing human trafficking and gun violence.
“Critics expressed deep concerns that the amendments, despite some improvements, were rushed, lacked clear metrics, and risked disproportionately harming vulnerable communities and small business owners, particularly those owned by immigrants or located in areas like 82nd Avenue,” OpGov.news reports.
Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney presents amendments to the council.
Video Credit: YouTube
Following deliberation, public comment begins with Chelsea Parson, who spoke to the council as a survivor of nearly a decade of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking, she advocates for strengthening the Chronic Nuisance Property Code.
Photo Credit: CVTV
“I beg you to consider those most marginalized and vulnerable who do not have the privilege to be in this room today. I ask this council to please make the tools that interrupt an industry that profits from the commodification and harm of others actually effective,” Parson says.
Representative Thủy Trần joined the council remotely.
Video Credit: YouTube
A motion to refer the Chronic Nuisance Property Code back to the Community and Public Safety Committee for further discussion and amendment failed, indicating a strong desire by the majority to move the legislation forward with its current set of amendments.
The item regarding amendments to the Chronic Nuisance Property Code was ultimately moved to the next council meeting to allow for potential additional amendments, specifically a proposed annual public reporting requirement from the Multnomah County Health Department.
If you would like to add to or comment on this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org or comment below.
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