The Overlook Neighborhood Association for more than a month has asked Portland Mayor Charlie Hales to answer some basic questions about plans to relocate Hazelnut Grove similar to the Frequently Asked Questions the mayor provided to Southwest neighbors of the Sears Shelter.
Despite repeated inquiries and a recent meeting with Hales’ staff, the office chooses not to address the neighborhood’s inquiry at this time. The most recent excuse is that the office is preoccupied with the Springwater Corridor. Given that the sweep planned for that site has been postponed for a month, maybe they have a few minutes to communicate with Overlook. We’ll let you know.
In the meantime, the city’s failure to communicate remains one of the greatest hurdles to addressing the city’s homeless challenges.
The questions presented to the mayor’s office follow. For many of them, the OKNA suggested answers based on public statements from the city. To be clear, no answer below is official or confirmed by the city.
What is the proposed timeline for the move?
Hazelnut Grove will move to a new location by Oct. 31, 2016.
Will Hazelnut Grove residents abide by a code of conduct that includes a ban on weapons, drugs and violence?
Yes. The city will allow the camp to continue with the expectation that a code of conduct will be followed until the move and afterward. It specifically states:
<Insert the Code of Conduct>
One of the conditions in the proposed permit was that Hazelnut Grove obtain general liability insurance. Will the city now take on liability for the safety of campers and neighbors in the event of fire, landslide, structural collapse or other damaging incident?
Yes. The camp is being allowed to occupy public land without a permit. The city is therefore liable for it. The city will continue to work with campers to ensure that they minimize fire risk.
Hazelnut Grove residents have been working to build new structures. Will the city limit or halt the construction in light of the upcoming move?
<please answer>
Will new construction be inspected for safety?
<please answer>
Have the city and Hazelnut Grove residents agreed to a cap on the number of campers allowed on site? Who will enforce the limit?
Yes. The proposed permit that had been under discussion envisioned capping the size of the camp at 30 with allowances for occasional visitors. That approach will be enforced prior to the move. The size of the camp after the move will depend in part on size of the new site and availability of services.
Portland bans smoking on public property including parks. Will the city ban smoking at Hazelnut Grove? If not, will a designated smoking area be established that prevents both conflict with users of the nearby multi-use trail and minimizes fire risk?
Campers at Hazelnut Grove will be allowed to smoke in the camp. <Please address the question of a designated smoking area.>
Have outreach groups or volunteers been contacted to help coordinate the move in order to limit the amount of property damage and stress to the residents of Hazelnut Grove during the move
<Please answer>
After Hazelnut Grove residents have transitioned to their new location, will the city clean and restore the site to its previous condition as undeveloped open space?
<Please answer>