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North Park BlocksMAYOR’S TASK FORCE – MEETING #3SEPTEMBER 29, 2015

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“We can be kind and compassionate but also not blind to the things that are not working and not good for anyone.”

Mayor Kitty Piercy, Eugene, Oregon

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The North Park Blocks is made up of a proudly diverse community who chose to live and work here. We proudly continue to support many efforts to address homelessness including construction of Bud Clark Center, the CCC Recovery Center, new Transitions Projects and the new Blanchet House.

Our concern this summer was born for the safety of the community due to a highly aggressive criminal element taking hold in our Park and on our streets.

We believe Portland needs to keep our city safe, sanitary and livable for everyone.  While also offering compassion, kindness and services to those in need.  This includes support for more homeless shelters and low income housing.

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Many thanks to Mayor Hales and City council for listening and continuing to collaborate to address this issue.

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Before AfterAugust 2015 September 2015

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Collaboration going forward…

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Short Term

o Continued current police presence in the Park – foot patrols and mounted police within the park and side streets

o Creation of high impact pedestrian zones in area’s in and around NPB

o Installation of drug free school zone compliance signage between Emerson and PNCA (stating you are within 1000 feet of a school)

o Evaluate and revise Portland Loo Access – Loo’s are currently magnet for drug use and crime. Other cities (Boston – utilize door timers and minimal charge for use of public bathrooms to discourage nefarious activities)

o Concrete Safety Plan for New Methadone Clinic – moving to China Town

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North Park Blocks Activation Ideas

o Small Carts to drive commerce and park usage – strategically placed from Burnside to Glisan

Treats & drink carts - ice cream, coffee, smoothie carts (Brands like Salt and Straw, Voodoo Donuts – would draw tourists)

Artist, Book & Jewelry Carts

o Addition of non-movable Bistro style tables and chairs – strategically placed

o Expand and increase lighting in Park –discourage after dark activities

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o Support of Patty Gardner/PDNA suggestions;• Off Leash Dog Park – designation of - 1

block – for residents and visitors • Return of weekly and annual

festivals• Thursday Farmers Market• Annual summer Beer tasting festival

o Children’s Program:• Theatrics: puppet theater, musical

programming, children's theater • Children’s yoga or other sports activities

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North Park Blocks Activation Ideas

o Gallery walks - With PNCA and galleries in the area, create a regular tour schedule to draw attention to the NPB as an art destination

o First Thursday programming - stage for music, poetry readings, kung fu demonstrations

o Summer film programming - many parks around the city offer outside projection of films during the summer months - can we get on that schedule?

o Nature programs - programs with a naturalist or ranger on the ecosystem of the park

o Park garden – Akin to South Park Blocks neighborhood – beds for roses and other communal plantings

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3. Long Termo Short Term Shelter Expansion Pilot - redeployment of Wapato facility as a pilot

program = 525 beds immediately (couples and families allowed). See Johnny Williams proposal in Street Roots: http://news.streetroots.org/2015/03/04/open-wapato-jail-homeless-tenants-own-dime

o City Summer pre-plan for “Road Youth” hot spot problems – starting in January Expansion of Police staffing, aggressive effort to fill vacancies

• Support with “relationship” based police strategy – to determine populations that need and want services versus those who don’t and prey on disadvantaged and at risk homeless populations

• Parks - Reevaluate “Park Ranger” role – safety and enforcement of park rules not sufficient

Enforcement of no camping ordinance Impound dogs “deemed to be public nuisance” Enforcement of no smoking ban in public parks

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Long Term

o Educate on Alternatives to Pan Handling – “Real Change, Not Spare Change” - Billboards and public service announcements, many other cities are doing it!

“New Orleans Voucher program” – donate to local shelters and food banks (New Orleans)

“There’s a Better Way” - Campaign in conjunction with United Way - to encourage donations to shelters/help line for pan handlers (Albuquerque NM).  "Have a Heart, Give Smart" was launched last year in Milford, featuring billboards with a phone number to make a donation to the United Way (Millford, Conn)

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Our Community Commitment

o Expand foot patrols/Observe and Report (Mark Wells)

o Participate in Park Watch program (Jacob Brostoff)

o Community and Business Support of Shelter, Housing and Out Reach programs - Central City Concern, Union Gospel Mission…

o Host Personal Safety Workshops (Lynnae Berg, Clean and Safe)

o Creative marketing support for “Make Real Change, Not Spare Change” citywide campaign