🌱 Homeless Camp Removal + Resident Concerns Over Light Pole Upgrades

Hello, neighbors! It's Saturday in Portland and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 65 Low: 46.
• Sunday: Showers around in the p.m.. High: 57 Low: 42.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Portland? Partner with the Portland Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Portland:

1. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler claims that the removal of hundreds of encampments last year contributed to a significant decrease in homeless pedestrian fatalities caused by cars, dropping from 70 percent to 36 percent. Wheeler's emergency declaration to ban camping in high-crash corridors was implemented to prioritize encampment removals, and he believes it saved lives, according to a spokesperson. (The Seattle Times)
2. Fire crews responded to a home on fire located within 10 feet of another structure and conducted an interior attack to extinguish the flames while protecting the neighboring structure. Crews found no residents inside during their initial search and later conducted a search of the basement with little fire involvement. The cause of the fire is being investigated, and no injuries were reported, but two adults are displaced, and the Red Cross was contacted for assistance. The fire department thanked Pacific Power, NW Natural, and the Portland Police Bureau for their help in addressing the emergency. (Press Release Desk)
3. Portland Parks and Recreation is planning to remove and replace 243 light poles throughout 12 parks in the city, citing safety concerns. However, some people worry that this move could compromise the public safety of those walking, biking, running, and spending time in the parks. The agency has only secured $5 million of major maintenance funds to remove poles that pose a safety risk, while the project is estimated to cost nearly $15 million. (KOIN.com)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Portland Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Portland Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Portland:

Saturday, March 18

• NW Dance Project - Common Ground At Patricia Reser Center For The Arts (7:30 AM)
• Portland Farmers Market At Shemanski Park (9:00 AM)
• Small Batch Trivia From Geeks Who Drink At Saint Pizza Lounge (8:00 PM)

Sunday, March 19

• Red Cross Blood Drive At Mittleman Jewish Community Center (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Shake Shack is close to opening its second location in Portland, with construction almost complete at a site across from Powell’s City of Books. The New York-based burger chain is known for its classic American menu items like burgers, hot dogs, fries, and frozen custard, and has been planning to open a downtown location since 2020. (OregonLive)
• Portland Community College has announced the finalists for its Vice President of Student Affairs position, including Dr. Dennis Baskin, Dr. José Dela Cruz, and Dr. Sue Orchard. Forums on Mar. 20, 21, and 23, where each finalist will give a presentation and participate in a Q&A session, with in-person and online audiences invited to ask questions. (Press Release Desk)
• Portland experienced warmer weather on Thursday and is expected to continue into today, with highs reaching 62-65 degrees. However, cooler and wetter weather may be on the horizon as light rain is expected to return to the area tomorrow (Mar. 19) and continue into next week, with temperatures dropping to the low 50s. The National Weather Service is predicting increased chances of both wet and cold weather across the west through next week. (OregonLive)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Yarnia — (Visit website)
• Sunset Heating & Cooling — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (March 21)
• Free Zoom Meeting about HVAC installation in Portland (March 21)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! See you soon for another update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.