Neighborhood Issues

Dealing With Neighbor Issues (Nuisances, Safety, Trash, Poor Maintenance)

Argay Terrace is like every other neighborhood, every now and then a problem will come up: abandoned cars, damaged street signs, street lights that are out, possible criminal activity, neglected property, potholes, speeders, traffic, etc. Your Association hears about some of the problems, but usually after weeks have gone by. In many other cases, our neighbors just put up with them. You shouldn’t have to.

  • You and your neighbors have to be the “First Responders” and this is the method that we have found will get the fastest results:

  • Talk to a few of your neighbors and see if you can work together

  • Sometimes if it is a property related problem like noise, trash, or poor maintenance, just talking with that neighbor and maybe giving them a hand will solve the problem

  • If that does not work, or if it is a city related problem, use the numbers below to report the problem, but use a system. City staff responds best to “numbers”. If several neighbors call over a period of time, it is seen as a more serious “neighborhood problem”, not just one “crank” calling to complain. Arrange for one person to call and if there is no result after a week, have another neighbor call. No result, repeat (perhaps more frequently) until the problem is resolved.

  • This may take some time, but polite respectful calls from several neighbors concerning the same problem can generally get action. Understand that most of these departments suffered severe staff cuts during the Recession and those cuts have not been fully restored. Most of the people you talk to want to help solve your problem, but often there may be a several week backlog.

Resource Phone Numbers:

The Main City/County Information and Referral Line: 503-823-4000

Specialized Direct Lines:

  • Emergency: 911

  • Police: Non-emergency: 503-823-3333

  • Online Crime Reporting: portlandoregon.gov/police/cor

  • Neighborhood Officer: Bob Boylan: 503-823-5700

  • PDX Reporter App: pdxreporter.org

  • Traffic Safety Line: 503-823-SAFE

  • Graffiti Abatement Line: 503-823-4TAG (824) or call 311 and mention graffiti clean up

  • Noise Control (10PM to 7AM): 503-823-7350

  • Park Rangers/Park Security or Concern: 503-823-1637

  • Parking Enforcement: 503-823-5195 ext 3

  • Child Abuse Hotline: 855-503-SAFE (7233)

  • Sidewalk Repair: 503-823-1711

  • Street Light Out: 503-823-5267

  • Multnomah County Animal Services: 503-988-7387 or multcopets.org

  • Luuwit View Community Garden: 503-823-1612

  • PDOT Abandoned Auto: 503-823-7309 or click here to report online

  • Speeding: 503-823-7233

  • Houseless: 311 (say you wish to file a houseless report)

  • Illegal Campsite-related Garbage: 503-234-3000

  • Portland Street Response (now city wide): Can be reached by dialing 911

  • Smart phone app to reach all of the above except police: PDX Reporter available for download in Apple or Android app stores

  • Air Quality: 888-997-7888