The City of Portland, Oregon, will be required to clear its sidewalks of sprawling homeless camps under terms of a lawsuit tentatively settled this week.
Filed in September, the federal class action lawsuit alleged that the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by allowing tent camps and debris to obstruct sidewalks. The plaintiffs included nine people with disabilities who use wheelchairs, scooters, canes, and walkers to get around.
“I don’t always welcome being sued, but this is a notable exception,” said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. “I agree with this suit. People should have access to the City’s sidewalks without impediment regardless of whether they have disabilities or not.” …