Surprise, the cost of the new homeless shelter in Portland is projected to be double that of original estimate. Yes, the contractors did double the square footage from the original design of 25,000 to 50,000, in order to accommodate the city’s new requirement that the occupants be provided with a 6-foot spacing (in case of a pandemic), which obviously increased the cost – double the size, double the cost. However, this is not the first time Portlanders have seen initial projected construction costs soar.

Remember the cost estimates for the construction of the four Portland school renovations? Well, take a look at the costs today! Like Yogi Berra once said, “It’s deja vu all over again.”

Two important points are being missed with regard to a solution on the homeless issue.

• First, it is not fair that Portland be constantly stuck with the ever-increasing expense of being the provider of last resort for the shelter of the homeless. This puts a burden not only on the taxpayers of Portland but also on the neighborhood where the shelter is located: in terms of potential increased crime, for example. Just look at the Bayside area. Surrounding communities and/or the state need to step up and help.

• Second, a cap on the number of homeless who the city can realistically financially support needs to be established. Otherwise, the new 200-person shelter will quickly fill up and Portland will be stuck in a never-ending cycle of debating where the next low-barrier mega-shelter will be built.

Samuel Rosenthal
Portland

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