June 2, 2016 6:42 AM

Like a good neighbor...oh, never mind....

Erin and I live in north Portland, a part of the city which doesn’t get much attention. Despite the lack of acclaim, NoPo is finally beginning to experience some of the growth and gentrification that has engulfed Portland over the past few years. Three blocks away is the University of Portland (UP), which is also growing and expanding. The most recent project is the construction of a new dorm three blocks from our house.

Until yesterday, that project didn’t have much in the way of a direct impact on us. I returned at about 8:15 a.m. from a visit to the gym to discover idling cement trucks parked for four blocks along Portsmouth Avenue, the street we live on. If it had been 45 degrees and raining I might not have reacted as I did, but it was a beautiful early June morning, the sort that makes you want to open the windows for some fresh air…except that in this case that wasn’t an appealing option. Between the (loudly) idling cement trucks (which kindly managed to block our driveway) and the diesel fumes, the peace and tranquility which normally reigns in our neighborhood was conspicuous by its absence.

After a talking to one of the drivers, it was clear they were just following orders. I attempted to contact UP via Twitter and Instagram, to no avail. I finally called the university, and was transferred to the construction site manager, who seemed not at all concerned with my complaint. After making it clear that I didn’t appreciate my home being turned into a construction site, he said he’d see what he could do. A few minutes later, I called back and reached a voicemail box, where I left a message detailing my displeasure. I’m still waiting for a response, and I don’t expect one. After all, why should they concern themselves with a complaining neighbor? Something about 800-lb. gorillas, I suppose.

The good news is that the cement trucks disappeared within 30 minutes of my initial call, which if nothing else demonstrates that making a fuss sometimes really is the best option. I counted it as a minor victory that the cement trucks moved on, but I hope that didn’t mean transferring the problem to someone else living nearby.

What most upset me was the apparent assumption that the contractor could park the line of cement trucks (and allow them to idle) wherever they pleased. UP has generally been a good neighbor, and Erin and I enjoy living in the neighborhood. I’m disappointed that in this case they chose to act in a manner which displayed a total lack of consideration for their neighbors. I’m also rather nonplussed by the lukewarm, dismissive response my complaint received. I certainly don’t expect people to jump when I scream, but it would’ve been nice to feel my complaint was taken seriously by someone who cared.

I was surprised that UP would be so dismissive and disrespectful of their neighbors. It would be nice to believe the university doesn’t think it can do what if feels necessary regardless of the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Honestly, I don’t think my expectations are at all unreasonable. UP is growing, which is a good thing…but that growth shouldn’t be something which allows them to assume their neighbors will patiently and quietly endure any inconvenience.

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This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on June 2, 2016 6:42 AM.

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