TIGARD, Ore. (KOIN 6) — Abandoned homes in the “Tigard Triangle area” are concerning neighbors — KOIN 6 News went to the scene where mountains of trash pile the walkways of these empty homes.
“I mean with my son I don’t feel comfortable letting him play outside by himself, when I should be able to in my own house and own yard,” Audra Burroughs told KOIN 6 News.
Burroughs said she has been dealing with these abandoned homes near 72nd and Dartmouth for years and that she is concerned for her family.
“It’s like a back porch is falling off, there’s garbage, there’s wine bottles, I’ve seen beer bottles,” Burroughs explained.
Neighbors said the abandoned homes are perfect spots for homeless people to squat. Burroughs and her son have witnessed squatting firsthand in their neighborhood.
“That was a little creepy,” Burroughs said. “The kids were out there playing and there was just a guy, kind of standing in the door.”
Police said they have not received any calls related to the abandoned homes, but that they will respond if someone calls in the future.
Neighbors said they have contacted the city for help. City officials allegedly responded, saying they could not take down the homes until they were done with other city construction work in the area.
KOIN 6 News spoke with a city spokesperson, who is now checking to see if the homes will be torn down. We will provide updates to this story as new information becomes available.