The recent shootings and stabbings near the Oxford Street Shelter are proof that these shelters should not be located in residential neighborhoods. Replacing the shelter with a new facility on the Barron Center property would be a terrible mistake.
Property values decrease by nearly 13 percent in neighborhoods with shelters, according to realtor.com. Our neighborhood is not wealthy and some homeowners would be financially ruined.
The percentage of children 17 and under in the Nason’s Corner neighborhood is among the highest of any neighborhood in the city of Portland. Two schools are within a half-mile of the site.
We have many businesses, and the Pine Tree Shopping Center had a terrible problem with the “tent city” that was in back of the plaza. The police finally had to clear that out. A CVS is right across the street and would be a temptation to robbery. Two major car dealerships would have their inventory in jeopardy. Berlin City has already had tire robberies on luxury autos.
We are told that 30 percent of the population of the shelter would be “problem cases.” This means drug addicts. Drug addicts bring drug dealers into the population. Will there be background checks so we don’t have violent criminals, pedophiles and just about anyone coming to the shelter with the freedom to roam our neighborhood?
We know we have to put the shelter somewhere. The city also owns property on Rand Road, which is only 2 miles from the Barron Center but is not in the heart of our residential and business community.
Another issue is that the Barron Center property is too small for the needs of the homeless community. More people will seek shelter there, and there is no room for expansion.
City leaders must realize this site is not the right location and find a site that is more suitable.
Elaine M. Niles
Portland
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