Woodlawn Neighborhood Association

2004 Community Safety & Livability Forum ~ Minutes

MINUTES

Wednesday, July 21, 2004 – 7:00-9:00 P.M.
Woodlawn United Methodist Church / 1425 NE Dekum, Portland

Sponsored By: Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods
Prepared & Hosted By: Woodlawn Neighborhood Association
In Cooperation With: King Neighborhood Association / Vernon Neighborhood Association

TEXT OF DISCUSSIONS

Facilitators:
JAN CLUTTER, President, Woodlawn Neighborhood Association
FREDERICK HAYES, 2nd VP, NE Coalition of Neighborhoods

Welcome/Opening Remarks/Introduction of Guests/Explanation of Format for Questions and Responses

Distinguished Panel:
DERRICK FOXWORTH, Chief, Portland Police Bureau (invited--did not attend)
BRETT SMITH, Commander, Portland Police Bureau
ERIK KING, Crime Prevention Program Manager, ONI
JOSEPH NKEMONTOH, PDX Traffic Engineer
DENA FORD-AVERY, Assistant Director, Section 8 Housing
MARK WARRINGTON, PDX Parks and Recreation Official
DEBBIE BISCHOFF, PDX Planning Bureau
PDX Abandoned Auto Division (invited—did not attend)
JIM FRANCESCONI, Multnomah County Commissioner
SAM ADAMS, Former Chief of Staff for Mayor Katz

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION (Subjects combined/categorized for ease in reading.)
[NOTE: This is not intended to be an exact transcript of this community forum, but rather a recap of the general
questions asked and the responses. Thanks goes to: Anjala Ehelebe, Jeff Siri, and Jan Clutter (all from Woodlawn NA), for their note taking and/or organizing and compiling of these minutes. Attendance at this forum: +/-90 individuals.]

Police Precinct Hours:

Q: Isn’t it unsafe to have the precinct doors closed on summer weekends when Gang bangers are most active? Wouldn’t it be better to close the NE Precinct station on Wednesday and Thursday instead of Saturday and Sunday when things get wilder?

A: (Commander Brett Smith) Can’t answer that question but recommended using either 911 or the non-emergency number if there’s a problem. All dispatch is from the 911 center. They just use precincts for roll call and meetings.

Police Presence:

Q: How can we get more police in the neighborhood as beat cops? Mallory Court is a continual problem.

A: (Commander Smith) We are limited to current staffing levels. During graveyard shift this precinct is understaffed. The first priority is to respond to an emergency, and this response is dispatched from the 911 center. When officers have free time they do lots of traffic stops and usually remove guns. Also they send drug dealers to jails, but jails soon let them out due to budget cutbacks. The officers temporarily flood bad spots such as Mallory Court Apartments. They also often go on calls about parties out of control.

A: (Commissioner Francesconi) There could be an opportunity to put some prisoners in the vacant newly built Wapato jail facility.

Q: At Mallory Court there is a Real Problem. Can we get more officers there?

A: (Officer Smith) Dealers have complicated and effective ways to avoid cops. A boosted police presence has made a difference. Could cops be more interactive with homeowners who are scared to face the criminals? If so there’d be more communications with officers. The Neighborhood Liaison Officer position is coming back. Chief Foxworth is committed to having officers assigned to neighborhoods.

A: (John Canda, NECN) Programs are there, but we need to get out and be seen. The front porch project has people sitting out front on their porches. We’re currently not watching the streets. Don’t get too wrapped up in your possessions. Get to know your neighbors. Criminals don’t like attention. Call 503 823 4575 (NE Neighborhood Coalition) or come by 4815 NE 7th Ave. Also call 503-823-GANG for the gang activity hotline.

Q: Speaking of trouble spots, what’s being done with drug dealing at Holladay Park?

A: (Commander Smith) They regularly patrol it and take folks to Juvenile hall and Jail. Same problem with over-crowded jails.

Q: (Jan Clutter, from an anonymous questioner) I saw drug dealing and called the police and no one came.

A: (Officer Smith) Can’t address this item without specific information, date, time, etc. Call and he’ll follow up. Also, if you see any further dealing, be sure to leave your name when you call in the complaint. Anonymous tips are not as effective.

Q: Questioner wants more police patrols on 6th and Holman. They wonder how they can get involved.

A: (V.P. of Woodlawn 10 years ago) There were really bad crime levels then. The way to stop it is by confronting the criminals. Don’t be afraid to stop what isn’t right. Be very emphatic. Take down license numbers. Take photos. Persevere.

A: (Jan Clutter, President of WNA) The best way to become involved is through the Block Watch program. Training is provided and it empowers you to know what steps to take for the different circumstances. You get to know your neighbors. You are aware of what is and what isn’t “normal” for your street. It is a powerful tool for neighbors. Sign up NOW!

A: (Officer Smith) The practice of community policing can help lower crime.

A: (Erik King of ONI) Call us and we can help

A: (Officer Smith) I am really invested in this neighborhood. I choose to work here.

Response: (Officer Smith) The focus on drugs has diminished. Administrators have essentially decriminalized drug use, but other crimes rise out of commerce in drugs.

Response: A neighbor comments that there needs to be good jobs to get people to stop dealing drugs. All of these issues are interconnected. Foot patrols really work.

Response: A resident at Durham and Dekum says they love the neighborhood. They recommend coming to the WNA meetings. They want the police to de-prioritize drug enforcement and get to other crimes.

Police Union/Relationship w/Chief Foxworth:

Q: What is the situation with the police union and (the new chief) Foxworth?

A: (Commander Smith) Every new chief will make changes and the officers and union will adjust. He feels the outlook is good.

Section 8 Housing Issues:

Q: Problems with section 8 housing across the street from a resident. Very unsafe things go on in the house. What’s the city’s responsibility to keep the neighborhood safe?

A: (Dena Ford-Avery) It’s not the responsibility of the city to sanction the tenant, the city funds the program. It’s the responsibility of the renter and the landlord. The city screens for rental ability but doesn’t have authority over the landlord. She suggests the neighbor sit down and talk to the landlord. She said there are a full time police officer and a full time fraud investigator who work on these issues. Call Verna Murray at (503) 802-8333 with your questions.

A: (Jan Clutter) The WNA Board is sending letters to absentee landlords informing them that we are interested in maintaining the aesthetics and livability of our neighborhood and that we want to work with them and hope they will work with us to accomplish this. Also, neighbors can also take advantage of mediation services.

A: (Erik King) Also, you could work with the neighborhood Crime Prevention Coordinator at (503) 823-7350. Woodlawn’s person is Preston Wong. For code violations you can call the city Bureau of Buildings.

Q: After going through channels with those in Section 8 housing, if problems persist, then what?

A: (Fraud investigator) Most problems are other than Section 8 related, but an investigation has to build a case. DOCUMENT!!! Take pictures. Take license numbers and notes. Terminating a family from a home is not the real solution. It just moves the problem on. The city presently subsidizes 7,800 households in Section 8. Eviction is up to the landlord.

Speeding on Neighborhood Streets:

Q: There’s lots of speeding on Holman. How do we slow down the speeders?

A: (Joseph Nkemontoh) There are three tactics, Education, Enforcement and Engineering. Call (503) 823-7233 (823-SAFE) to leave a service request. The Department of Transportation will investigate. The police will do enforcement. Speed bumps actually do not slow down speeders; they use them as launch ramps. Placing stop signs requires examination of sight lines, crash history investigation, and other factors. The neighbors can get a petition to show neighborhood support for installing speed bumps but they’re a minimum of $1500 each and the neighbors pay for them. The officer remarked that about 80% of the people arrested for speeding on Holman are Woodlawn neighborhood residents. Perhaps we should tell our friends not to speed on their way to visit us, he suggested.

New Construction in Woodlawn:

Q: There is proposed building of 11 houses (condos) on at the corner of 6th (Grand) and Ainsworth. This will add to traffic problems. It might be built poorly. How can we prevent low-grade infill?

A: (Debbie Bischoff) A site owner can build whatever the law and zoning allows. She acknowledged that ugly (poorly built, not considering the style of nearby housing) infill is a problem city wide. Base Zone Guidelines adopted by city also applied to multiple dwelling sites. They could do a specific site design review.

A: (Jan Clutter) This site was presented by the builder and the architect and was discussed at length at the June Woodlawn meeting. Concern was expressed by several residents that the design of the structure was not in keeping with the historical aspect of Ainsworth. The design is upscale ($350,000+) and more modern than what some residents would like. More details and information will be forthcoming as the process unfolds.

Dogs:

Q: There are loose dogs and the owners are not being responsible.

A: (Parks) Call Multnomah Animal Control for situations more troublesome than barking. (Note: See their web site first--they are terribly understaffed and on the web site they show you actions they prefer that you take before involving them.)

Other:

Q: (Comment from Vernon resident) The emphasis placed by some on “weeding” (out criminals) is not enough. But we also need “seeding”. We need to arrange for kids to have choices. We need to volunteer and get involved.

Response: (Mark Warrington, Parks)
Parks is involved and providing recreation activities. Hook up the kids with the community centers and youth outreach. Public services are ready to work with communities to battle problems. Call Parks at 503 823-PLAY, and Warrington at 503-823-5459.

Final Comments: Jan Clutter and Frederick Hayes thanked everyone for their attendance and participation. Jan offered that it would be worthwhile to have this type of combined neighborhood forum on a quarterly basis. Attendees were strongly encouraged to attend their monthly association meetings and to get involved in their neighborhood!

…..End of meeting…..

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

What Can Citizens Do To Contribute To Vital Neighborhoods?
*Get to know your neighbors—it’s the #1 thing you can do!
*Help create/participate in a Block Watch program
*Join in neighborhood events, activities, clean-up projects
*Attend your neighborhood association meetings
*Volunteer whenever/wherever you can in your neighborhood
*Join your neighborhood association board
*Be pro-active
*Look for the good that is happening and emulate it
*Maintain your own property—be an example for others
*Help your neighbors who cannot help themselves
*Think of more ways you can contribute . . . do them and share them!

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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION WEBSITES

www.neighborhoodlink.com/portland - General
www.neighborhoodlink.com/portland/wna - Woodlawn
www.neighborhoodlink.com/portland/vernon - Vernon
www.neighborhoodlink.com/portland/king - King
www.neighborhoodlink.com/portland/concordia - Concordia

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IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Neighborhood Watch (Block Watch)
503-823-4519
www.myportlandneighborhood.org

www.neighborhoodlink.com/Portland/wna (Woodlawn’s Website)

woodlawnna@yahoo.com (Woodlawn’s email address)

[Note: Similar multiple complaints and/or letters signed by numerous neighbors on the same street carry more weight than individuals—there IS power in numbers so join with your neighbors today and form a Block Watch Group! Not only can it make your street safer and more attractive—it can be FUN too!]

Section 8 Housing Issues
Verna Murray: 503-802-8333
Dena Ford-Avery: 503-282-7509
http://www.portlandonline.com/index.cfm?mode=search&search_action=SearchResults&c=28397

Neighborhood Inspections Office Outdoors: excessive trash/garbage, overgrown vegetation, appliances, inoperable autos on private property Housing: interior safety & livability Buildings: dangerous and derelict
503-823-7306
www.myportlandneighborhood.org

Gangs
503-823-4112 (Youth Gangs Outreach Program)
503-823-GANG (for gang activity problems)
www.myportlandneighborhood.org

Drugs – Activity / Houses / Parks
503-823-DRUG
www.myportlandneighborhood.org

Police Bureau
Non-emergency: 503-823-3333 (everything NOT 9-1-1, which is to be used ONLY for true emergencies, please!)
Drugs & Vice: 503-823-0246 (keep logs to report on)
Gangs: 503-823-4106 (be specific w/information)
NE Precinct: 503-823-5700
www.portlandpolicebureau.com
www.myportlandneighborhood.org

Abandoned Automobiles (have detailed description, license plate #, exact location)
503-823-7309 (24-hour Hotline, for autos on public streets or property—leave all your information)
503-823-7306—Neighborhood Inspections Office (for autos stored on private property)
503-823-6814—Speak to live person
www.myportlandneighborhood.org

[NOTE: In order to rid our streets of these unsightly vehicles, you must call on EVERY auto you know is not operable. First-hand knowledge or if it is obvious: flat tires, grass around, damaged, been there forever, etc. Take notes as you are walking or driving around your neighborhood and make that call!]

Portland Parks
Parks: 503-823-PLAY
Mark Warrington: 503-823-5459
www.portlandparks.org

Portland Transportation
503-823-4000
www.trans.ci.portland.or.us

Email us
woodlawnna@yahoo.com

Hotlinks

Neighborhood Watch (Block Watch)
Police Bureau
Important Neighborhood Site
Portland Parks
Portland Transportation
Section 8 Housing Issues
Abandoned Automobiles
Drugs ?– Activity / Houses / Parks
Neighborhood Inspections Office