Portland city councilors respond to 3 community centers at risk of closing

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After-school programs,  swim lessons, sensory friendly gym sessions and so much more could all go away if the City of Portland closes local community centers. 

“I’m hoping that we’re going to fight to keep them open. At least I am,” said Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan. 

 St. Johns, Montavilla and the Peninsula Park Community Centers are at risk of closing as a result of Portland’s proposed budget cuts as the council navigates a

$93 million budget shortfall.

“I mean, at some point, some of us might have to step up and say, yeah, I think that the police need to stop responding to all the calls or, yup, we need to close community centers or yep, we need to let any house that catches fire in Burlingame burn to the ground,” said Portland City Councilor Steve Novick. 

Families told KOIN 6 News that they are against this cut.

“Especially at a time where we’ve been losing families,” Ryan said. ” We have to do everything we can to continue to provide resources, especially in neighborhoods where they really need those resources.”

Portland City Administrator Michael Jordan listed a number of services to potentially cut from the city budget, including some public agency funds, Portland Bureau of Transportation repairs, and several local community centers. Novick said there is another option to avoid these cuts. 

“When you have the choice between cutting police, fire, homeless services or parks and all these things are paid for by taxes, then another question you want to ask people is, would you rather raise some tax rather than make those cuts,” said Novick. 

The councilors want to hear from the community. A listening session is scheduled on Saturday, March 15, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m at the University of Western States at 8000 NE Tillamook St, Portland, OR 97213. 

“Community centers and other places are essential for thriving cities, and Portlanders have made it clear they’re important to them. I share District 2 residents’ concerns about a potential closure and will be fighting to preserve our community centers as budget talks progress,” said Councilor Sameer Kanal.