PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Residents who live along the Springwater Corridor say the homeless problem has reached a critical mass.
Some users have nicknamed the trail the “Avenue of Terror” because what is supposed to be a multi-use trail for cyclists, joggers, and walkers that connects Boring to downtown Portland, has seen an increase in homeless camps, crime and filth.
“I have not walked down it this summer. Once. My dad doesn’t want me to do it, my brothers don’t, my boyfriend doesn’t — it’s unsafe,” one neighbor said.
A meeting on July 6 that was supposed to be about discussing issues, reviewing data and talking about potential strategies turned hostile.
“We’re getting our community pretty fired up,” Steve Spinnet said.
Neighbors were angry that city leaders from the mayor’s office and parks and rec were nowhere in sight.
People feel like they’re losing their community and that the city isn’t doing enough.
Oregon Consensus didn’t have a chance to present their data as planned, but they say this discussion is the first step in cleaning things up along the “Avenue of Terror.”
“They feel like things are not working and they want to do something different,” Jim Jacks said.