To the Board:
I have been a proud resident of our Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood for upwards of twenty years. Although growing up and graduating on the west side of town, I moved across the river after high school and became enamored with what I still regard as the best neighborhood in Portland. Most recently, however, I, along with friends and neighbors, have been disappointed and frustrated with the problem of folks not cleaning up after their dogs, a situation that is growing both in frequency and prevalence on our block and many others around the neighborhood.
As a person who does lots of “stomping” between my house and my girlfriend’s some fifteen blocks away, often accompanied by her four-year-old little girl, I can attest to numerous dog messes left on the sidewalk as well as blatantly and seemingly deliberate discarding of poo-filled plastic baggies along the way. I am certain that it is only a minute fraction of our local dog owners who are not doing the right thing—i.e., taking responsibility for cleaning up after THEIR dog. That is not too much to ask, and it’s the law in parks (City Code 20.12.140, Ordinance 146131, punishable by a fine of up to $150). I believe a little awareness delivered to those few culprits, letting them know that what they do is HARDLY going unnoticed, should be helpful in maintaining the beauty of the best neighborhood in the city!
– Benny Childs
To the Board:
I just love your house! My sister visited town and noticed your house. Have you considered selling?
Many of us have gotten these kinds of approaches and may be tempted to look into them. DO look into their offer, but also check with a local real estate agent (or better yet, do a “for sale sign by owner”) to see what your house is really worth in today’s market. Some estimates say that the quick cash offers usually cost you about 20% of what you could get. That could easily be over $100,000. Even the advice of a real estate agent may turn out too low, as many houses are now selling above the asking price. The only way to really know what your house is worth is to actually put it on the market.
But prior to calling the real estate agent or putting up your own “for sale” sign, a basic question with ramifications beyond your own household needs answering: Do you care if your house is torn down and replaced by something that will degrade the neighborhood? If you do, let the real estate agent find a buyer who actually will live in the house. Talk to neighbors and friends to find a local buyer. You also can put a restriction on the deed to ensure it is not torn down. (Don’t be fooled by “remodels” that ONLY keep part of the back wall!!)
– Jim Karlock