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Proposed homeless camp site for sale

Portland official says 15-acre parcel not suitable for project

By Jim Redden, Portland Tribune
Published: June 27, 2016, 8:25pm

Portland has put a nearly 15-acre parcel of city-owned property that has been proposed for a large homeless camp and service center up for sale.

Anyone supporting the homeless project will now have to bid against other parties for the former Terminal 1 site that used to be owned by the Port of Portland at 2400 N.W. Front Ave. And even if they buy it, the property is currently zoned for industrial uses, something the city council would need to alter before it could be used to house and serve the homeless.

The property is currently owned by the Bureau of Environmental Services. It includes a 96,000-square-foot warehouse.

Commissioner Nick Fish, who is in charge of BES, said it is not suitable for the homeless project because the city has a shortage of industrial land that needs to be preserved. Fish also said the city cannot donate the property for the homeless project because it is owned by a utility agency — BES — and can only be used for utility purposes or sold for the highest bid.

Fish said he expects the property to sell for more than its market value, which was $8,592,440 in 2015.

The homeless project was proposed by developers Homer Williams and Dike Dames. They say it could cost $100,000 to construct and have been talking with city officials and the business community about it. The two men say it would offer an alternative to outdoor camping that would help the homeless gain access to services and permanent housing.

Fish said the concept has merit and the city should could conduct a survey of other possible locations for the proposed project.

For more information on the property, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/514449.

In announcing the upcoming sale of the property last week, BES said:

“The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) has listed Terminal 1 North for sale. Scott MacLean with Colliers International is representing BES as the Sellers Agent. Scott can be reached at 503-542-5891.

“BES will sell this property subject to a Property Line Adjustment (PLA) that is currently in process. This PLA will carve out approximately 1.32 acres of the site that BES will retain for permanent sewer access and protection. The remaining lot is approximately 14.48 acres, and includes all of the river front. If needed — BES is willing to give an easement to the successful bidder to allow site circulation over the 1.32 acres that BES will retain. However — because this site is to be retained by BES for sewer access, parking and storage will be expressly forbidden on this property.

“BES will also be retaining permanent sewer easements over a portion of the 14.48 acres. It is not expected that this will impact development opportunities, but the buyer needs to research if this is true. Please see the main Terminal 1 Surplus Property page for an example of the easement that BES intends to record. (This easement is not the final document — but it is expected to be substantially the same as what BES will record).”

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