Balancing Business and Safety in Parkrose
A Call for Community Action
Walk down NE Sandy Boulevard on a sunny afternoon and you’ll see what makes Parkrose special: the smell of fresh tortillas from Antojitos Mexicanos, the friendly banter at Parkrose Hardware, the gleam of cars lined up at our neighborhood auto shops. But alongside these local treasures, we also see the challenges—empty storefronts, the remnants of overnight camping, or the frustration in a business owner’s eyes after a break-in.
This is the paradox of Parkrose. We are a neighborhood brimming with cultural diversity, entrepreneurial grit, and community pride—while also facing persistent issues with property crime, homelessness, and safety concerns.
Understanding the Numbers Without the Panic
Independent estimates suggest crime rates here are higher than Portland’s city average, particularly for property crimes like theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins. It’s not the whole story—many of us live, work, and raise families here without incident—but it’s a challenge we can’t ignore.
These numbers are estimates, not official counts, but they do show Parkrose’s rates are slightly above Portland’s already-high averages—especially for property crime.
Why It Happens
The root causes are complex:
Housing instability and long-term camping in public spaces.
Drug activity concentrated in certain properties.
Street prostitution bringing associated crimes into the area.
Poverty and lack of access to mental-health and addiction services.
What’s Already Working
Parkrose has a track record of tackling these problems head-on. The Parkrose Initiative in 2017 proved that focused, community-police partnerships can reduce property crime by nearly 29% in just a few months. Today, our Security Camera Registry helps solve crimes faster while respecting privacy. And the City’s broader crime-reduction efforts have brought a 17% drop in violent crime citywide this year.
Solutions on the Horizon
Through the Sumner-Parkrose-Argay-Columbia Corridor TIF District , millions are slated for improvements that make neighborhoods safer and more livable: better lighting, safer crosswalks, affordable housing, and revitalized storefronts. Our vision is not just fewer crimes—but vibrant streets with family-friendly businesses, public art, and green spaces where people feel welcome.
Historic Parkrose’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures these solutions center the voices of residents most affected by crime and displacement.
How You Can Help
Get connected. Join neighborhood meetings, volunteer for SOLVE cleanups, or attend events like Taste of Parkrose.
Be proactive. Register your security cameras, report unsafe conditions via PDX Reporter, and advocate for investments in housing and services.
Support local. Shop at our mom-and-pop businesses—they are the heartbeat of our community.
Speak up. Share your ideas for how Parkrose can be cleaner, safer, and more connected.
Our Shared Future
Imagine a Parkrose where families stroll Sandy Boulevard after dinner without worry, where youth have safe places to gather, and where every business—whether a café, auto shop, or market—thrives. This future is possible if we balance compassion with action, enforcement with prevention, and commerce with community care.
We’ve proven before that when Parkrose comes together, we make change happen. Let’s do it again.
📢 Call to Action:
✅ Sign up for Historic Parkrose updates
✅ Join the Parkrose Security Camera Registry
✅ Volunteer for a neighborhood cleanup
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