Portland asks local businesses to get involved in community improvements
Portland, Oregon is trying to improve the Cathedral Park neighborhood in North Portland. But they are asking local companies to contribute to improving infrastructure.
The neighborhood, which currently features numerous potholes, broken sidewalks and other aesthetic issues, has been designated a local improvement district. This means the city is working with developers to bring in new retail and housing options. In fact, an out-of-state developer is planning a new project in the area — but the city needs to move a sewer line and clean roads and sidewalks first.
This is what the city is asking local businesses to contribute. Unfortunately, many companies have already abandoned the area. The remaining two are St. John’s Truck & Equipment and St. John’s Marine. according to Investigation by KATUInitially, St. John’s Truck & Equipment paid $7,000 a month for 20 years for the improvements. St. John’s Marine said its monthly bill would be $12,600 for 20 years.
When KATU reached out to Portland’s transportation office for comment, they said those numbers have since dropped significantly. Business owners have also retained legal counsel to negotiate with the city because they say those amounts are unaffordable and they are concerned the city is trying to push them out of the area.
Kevin Meader, owner of St. John’s Truck and Equipment Company, told KATU, “I’m not against cleaning up this area…I just think the cost of it should be borne by the people who will benefit from it.”
Businesses can certainly benefit from improvements to roads and sidewalks and increased activity in their neighborhoods. But local businesses also provide a lot of value to their local communities, in addition to paying taxes. According to Portland’s website, homeowners and residents in local improvement districts are not expected to participate in the improvements, even if they benefit from them.
The situation in Portland is still evolving. The outcome could ultimately determine how other cities handle similar situations when planning improvements in their neighborhoods.
Image: Envato
