Portland’s Big Building Dilemma

The city is rethinking a plan that would have turned the school district’s office into a family shelter. The proposal, which would cost about $14 million to renovate, was dropped by the finance committee last week. The building on Cumberland Avenue is 56 000 square feet and currently houses the district’s central office. If it were converted, it could house up to 49 families. Right now the shelter operates out of four leased apartments on Chestnut Street and serves only 15 families, about a third of its capacity. The leases end June 30, and temporary agreements keep the shelter open until fiscal year 2028. Staff and a consultant looked for cheaper options, but the assistant city manager said only $500 000 could be saved. Major upgrades for HVAC, electrical and plumbing alone would cost between $7 million and $8 million. Because of these high costs, councilors decided the shelter’s future and the fate of the school building need more study. One option is to sell the property, which the city bought in 2014.

The finance committee chair said a project of this size should involve community partners and questioned whether the Cumberland location is right. She asked another committee to evaluate keeping the building. Another councilor said he does not want to sell but also opposed putting a bond on the ballot, since bonds over $10. 1 million trigger a referendum. He suggested using the space as a day shelter for homeless people, but noted funding gaps and state budget uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Bayside Neighborhood Association wants to turn the building’s bottom floor into a community center. Their president said residents are confused by officials’ resistance and that the neighborhood does not want a day or warming shelter there. A city resident urged a thorough review of the building and, if it does not fit the city’s needs, to sell it. The debate highlights the tension between housing needs, budget limits and community preferences.

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