Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association

July 2000 Newsletter

Jul 25, 2000

Dear Neighbors,

I think it?’s finally summer! Foster-Powell seems to be in the summer doldrums. There is not much happening that I have heard of, and with neighborhood business and crime issues, no news is generally good news. Since there isn?’t much new to report, I will devote most of this issue to informational phone numbers and resources.

Onyx Club
The underage dance club located in the old Organ Grinder/Cosmos building is now open. We will continue to work with Rhetta Deason, the crime specialist working out of Southeast Uplift, to develop a good neighbor agreement. We would appreciate hearing of how the club is doing, both good and bad, as a new neighbor.

Bus Stop
The bus stop that was such a litter and shopping cart problem on 82nd & Holgate on the Pioneer Cemetery property has been moved across the street (into Lents) near the convenience store. If you notice problems with litter or garbage at bus stops near you, you can call Tri-Met at 238-5816. The Graffiti Hotline is 823-4824.

Meeting with Dan Saltzman
On June 27 Commissioner Saltzman toured several southeast neighborhoods, including Foster-Powell, and he met with several neighborhood chairs and citizens. We talked about some of the crime issues, how some citizens feel held hostage by crime, and how we can improve liveability for everyone in our neighborhoods.

Automobile Vandalism and Other Crime
The automobile vandalism and slashed tires seem to have slowed way down, thanks to the increased patrols in the neighborhood. If you do have a car theft, vandalism or other non-emergency, please remember to call the non-emergency police number, 823-3333. The police need your information to make a report, even if they don?’t want to come to your property and view the crime. I know this is frustrating when you are victimized, but every phone call is important to developing police resources for our area. When the police don?’t hear from you after a crime, they think that crime is going down in the neighborhood. If there is an abandoned auto, call 823-4000.

Nuisance Properties
If you have a nuisance property and you need to find out how to talk with the owner, you can get that information from the County Assessor?’s office at 248-3326. Most of the time, if the property is a rental, the landlord has no idea of problems brewing at their rentals and the landlord will appreciate hearing from you. If the problem is a suspected drug house, the number for the police drugs and vice department is 823-0246. If the problem is barking dogs, the number is 248-3066. Trash and tall grass can be reported at 823-7306. Noise problems can be reported at 823-7350.

Mediation Center
Did you know there is a service available to mediate neighbor problems before they escalate? The mediation center at 823-3152 can assist.

Upcoming Meetings:
Our meeting on August 1 will be a picnic at 7:00 p.m. in Essex Park, at SE 79th & Center, to coincide with National Night Out. Look for the banner and bring food and kids. It was a good time for all last year! Our next regular meetings will resume on September 5 at St. Anthony Parish Hall.

Meetings are always on the FIRST Tuesday of each month (except as noted above) from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the St. Anthony Parish Hall, 3618 SE 79th (green and white building at south end of the complex-please use the south door). Call Cindy Peek at 775-3006 for more information, or e-mail me at clpeek@aol.com; more information is available at www.neighborhoodlink.com/portland/foster.