Plague of Portland's river squatters: Homeless people build illegal cabins and tents in eyeline of luxury apartments with 'million-dollar views' across the water

Daily Mail UK ^ | April 10, 2023 | James Gordon

[Morgana]

Homeowners in the city of Portland, Oregon say a group of homeless people have built their own makeshift shacks overlooking the scenic Willamette River without any planning permission.

The rickety cabins and tents have been built on a patch of dirt that is considered no-man's land and situated next to the Union Pacific rail yard.

But for those living across the river who have paid up to one million dollars for what should be beautiful uninterrupted views, the setups are a blight on the landscape.

One of the main problems is the area is that it is challenging to reach and with it not directly being on land owned by the rail yard, it is also not clear who is in charge of the shoreline.

Some property records show a portion of the beach does in fact belong to the rail yard but there appears to be little to no inclination to do anything about it.

Larry Purtle and Ric Scaramella have been watching people set up about nine makeshift cabins across from their own condo for the past five years and say they've complained to authorities about 40 times.

The couple say they are 'concerned' about the people living in the cabins and worried about pollution going into the river.

'These are not tents. These are structures. Pretty much everyone comes back and says that they don't have jurisdiction because it's Union Pacific, it's a railroad,' Scaramella said to KOIN.

The community of cabins which are built out of driftwood appear almost slum-like with no bathroom facilities or running water - yet some even have solar panels to provide power to the inhabitants. Garbage has been left strewn along the shore.

[FrankRizzo890]

I predict they’ll have the city evict them, and they’ll cover that area with big jagged boulders. That’s what they did under the MLK overpass by I-5. Seemed to work there. I predict the same thing will be done here.

[vmpolesov]

Me too, I admire their resourcefulness. It has a certain appeal, government largely leaves you alone, no building codes or permits, just do it.

[Twotone]

If you would like more information about what’s happening in Oregon, please FReepmail me. Please send me your name by FReepmail if you want to be on this list.

[jonascord]

While I live close enough to Portland that I can save .40 per gallon if I fill up across the river in Oregon, (The spread here in Washington is from $3.98 to $4.75. Inslee jacked up the gas tax $0.50 per gallon on 1/1. Instead of all at once, the state has been charge more from the station owners in increments, and the price has been rising a dime every couple of weeks, since.), there are increasing numbers of "old" druggies, daily.

I believe it isn't the years, it's the mileage. 24/7 outdoor life, no hygiene, plus massive drug use, takes a toll on the body. Perhaps why medieval farmers were dying of old age at 35?

[itsahoot]

This is what you get when you vote in this Bravo Sierra Demonrats into office.

One hundred percent mail in voting may have something to do with it as well.

[Mean Daddy]

Union Pacific bulldozed an encampment near downtown Omaha. They’re located in Omaha plus feeling the pressure to do so. My guess is they would do in Portland if there was the political will. Guessing future generations of homeless will have a place to live.

https://omaha.com/news/local/union-pacific-clears-out-homeless-encampment-north-of-downtown-omaha/article_41d85614-6cb7-11ec-9f69-53d4f4a9d210.html

[steve86]

Not clear it’s railroad property.