PORTLAND, Ore. – A long-standing Central Eastside business is voicing frustration after a homeless encampment took over sidewalks and parking spaces outside its storefront, leaving employees with fewer safe options and highlighting Portland’s ongoing struggle to balance business needs, public safety, and the rights of unhoused residents.
Parking Costs Rise as Spaces Disappear
For nearly four decades, Contract Furnishings Mart, located at Southeast 9th Avenue and Ash Street, has operated in Portland’s Central Eastside. Store manager Patrick Vonpegert says he budgets more than $2,000 annually for six employee parking permits issued by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT).
This year, the cost of those permits rose to $2,370. According to PBOT, the increase helps fund litter collection and road safety projects throughout the Central Eastside. But Vonpegert says that while his business pays more, his staff no longer has consistent access to the spots they need.
“It’s difficult to justify paying that much money when you can’t park a car next to your building,” Vonpegert said. “They are taking up areas that we’re paying for.”…