Oregon City residents demand sidewalk repair assistance amid ADA compliance issues

In the heart of Oregon City, a community grapples with the weight of historical homeownership and the burdens of city code enforcement. During a recent City Commission meeting, residents from the McLaughlin District voiced their frustrations over a relentless cycle of sidewalk repair complaints, which they argue are disproportionately affecting long-standing homeowners.

As the meeting unfolded, one resident passionately described the emotional toll of facing financial strain due to sidewalk repairs, which can escalate into costly infrastructure issues. “Some people have sold their homes and left the district altogether,” they lamented, urging the city to intervene and revise the sidewalk reimbursement program to alleviate the burden on homeowners who must replace multiple sidewalk panels, regardless of the cause.

City officials acknowledged the challenges, explaining that the current code places liability for sidewalk maintenance on property owners. City Manager, Miss Richter, emphasized that the city is not actively seeking out violations but must respond to complaints, particularly those related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. “We cannot just ignore liabilities when they’ve been brought forward,” she stated, expressing sympathy for the homeowners’ plight.

The discussion revealed a troubling pattern: one individual in the neighborhood has been accused of abusing the complaint process, leading to a wave of citations that have left residents feeling targeted and intimidated. “We are abundantly aware of multiple complaints,” said a city official, urging residents to document their experiences to build a case against harassment.

As the meeting progressed, the commission recognized the need for a collaborative approach to address these issues. They proposed a work session to explore potential solutions, including extending deadlines for compliance and consolidating sidewalk repairs to ease the financial burden on homeowners.

The residents’ concerns reflect a broader issue of community resilience in the face of bureaucratic challenges. Many expressed a desire for the city to take a more active role in supporting historical homeowners, who often face unique financial hurdles. “It’s not about people not wanting to be ADA compliant, but simply not having the money,” one resident explained, highlighting the complex interplay between compliance and financial viability.

As the meeting concluded, the commission committed to revisiting the sidewalk program and exploring ways to support the community. “We need to address that,” one commissioner remarked, acknowledging the distress that has driven some residents to consider leaving their homes. The path forward remains uncertain, but the voices of the McLaughlin District have sparked a crucial dialogue about the balance between code enforcement and community support in Oregon City.