Residents describe suspected ‘drug house’ and repeated break-ins on Taylor Street, ask council for action

Several Mount Angel residents told the council they fear a house on Taylor (Taper) Street has become a persistent center of drug activity, theft and safety risks for neighbors and children.

Jeff Brand, who introduced himself at the meeting, said the occupants have been active for roughly 16 years and that, in recent weeks, people associated with the house have stolen items from driveways and walked into neighbors’ yards during evening hours. “I’m coming tonight to just raise some awareness about it and ... I’m afraid for the safety of my children,” Brand said.

Steve Wood described a break‑in attempt on his garage and repeated nighttime activity. “I’ve lived there almost 30 years. Never had an issue like this ever,” Wood said. He told council members that residents have begun installing cameras and security lights because they no longer feel safe allowing children to play unsupervised.

Liz Schmidt, another resident, asked whether the property is still classified as a single‑family dwelling and whether code enforcement can act if multiple unrelated occupants are effectively renting rooms. The city manager said staff are pursuing investigations into code violations and police are following leads but cautioned that enforcement options are constrained by constitutional protections and that investigations take time.

Council members thanked residents for bringing information, and the city manager and police chief said they would continue investigations and follow up with neighbors. No ordinance or formal enforcement action was approved at the meeting; staff indicated they will continue to pursue code and police responses and will report back to council when appropriate.