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Resident urges city action after nearby safety incident at wooded lots
Summary
A lifelong Newport resident asked the council to clear city-owned lots of homeless encampments, add fencing, and increase patrols after a nearby violent incident; the mayor asked staff to return with a report and recommendations.
During the public comment period Jan. 5, lifelong Newport resident Rex Capri described ongoing problems with homeless encampments on lots adjacent to his property near NW 17th–18th streets, listing shouting, fighting, discarded needles and human feces and saying a recent incident within two blocks made the situation "serious and dangerous." He asked the city to clear those lots, fence off the east side, and increase patrols. "The first and foremost responsibility of any government is to protect the citizens that you represent, their safety and security," Capri said.
Capri said he had spoken with police but had not yet received details on the perpetrator of the recent crimes. He also asked the council to investigate "the current goings on at the Newport Hotel because that's concerning also." The mayor thanked Capri and said the city manager would be asked to return with recommendations and a report; no immediate action was taken during the meeting.
Next steps: staff will prepare a report and recommendations for council consideration, per the mayor's statement.
