16539 NE Halsey, Gresham OR Click to enlarge
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Neighbors are worried about the pressures on the infrastructure, the school district and the traffic, saying there are all ready too many apartments
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Source: The Gresham Outlook
Friday 28 August
by Jodi Weinberger
Residents in the Wilkes East neighborhood are objecting to a 64-unit apartment complex to be built at Northeast Halsey Street and 165th Avenue, both because of the density and the fear of creating more low-income housing.
“The primary thing that most people feel is that there are too many apartments already in our area,” said Kris Freiermuth, president of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. “I’m voicing what was indicated at the (neighborhood association) meeting. They are worried about the pressures on the infrastructure, the school district and the traffic.”
For weeks, residents have been voicing concerns about a growing trash problem and code violation issues in Wilkes East to the city, police department, and in letters to the editor in The Outlook. Many residents say another complex will just add to these issues.
The four-story apartment complex, to be located at 16539 N.E. Halsey St., is being called the Waterside Apartments. It would contain one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with elevator access to upper floors and a playground in the yard.
The building is being proposed by SGS Development LLC, a Bend-based company that has built several projects in East Multnomah County.
At the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association meeting on Monday, Aug. 24, more than 50 residents showed up to express concern about the building.