Hello all this is our first entry to our groups' blog - sowelcome + a big thank you for visiting, please join us and get active. Feel free to post comments, give suggestions, send articles, links, photos that you would like us to post.
We originally met for the first time a few weeks ago on July 15th in one of our neighbor's living room - all of us concerned about the growing & blatant criminal activity we see happening on our streets daily. Primarily our inital focus is the blatant increase in prostitution - we see it not only on 82nd Avenue, but it is affecting all of the surrounding neighborhoods, especially our schools and parks - discarded condoms and needles are constantly found in these areas. Unfortunately 82nd Avenue has become know as "Portland's Red Light District" to the johns + pimps, as one neighbor was recently told by local law enforcement. This avenue is a key artery that all of the surrounding Neighborhood Associations must focus on not only with regards to crime, but also the focus of "revitalization"- new + needed businesses - Trader Joes, etc. However first we must deal with and address the crime that is damaging our livability and safety.
We as residents on Montavilla and Mount Tabor have seen a sharp increase in prostiution ever since the Prostitution Free Zone (PFZ) ordinance was lifted on Sept 27, 2007. We are asking that the PFZ be reinstated & we have created a petition & we urge you to help us gather signatures. We don't want this problem to get worse - please read this compelling letter to The Oregonian by Brian Wong a fellow resident who took action & started the Montavilla Foot Patrol in response to the growing & blatant crime in our neighborhoods.
