The City of Portland is considering requiring building owners to seismically upgrade all URM buildings. Some of the proposed requirements will result in increased rents, eviction of all tenants and the closure of businesses. The undersigned believe that the URM policy should:
• Protect Schools and Critical Emergency Response Infrastructure
• Protect Low-Income and Affordable Housing
• Protect the Public
• Protect Small Businesses
• Protect Historic Structures
Therefore, we recommend that the mandate be limited to reinforcement of parapets, chimneys and cornices and attachment of the roof to the walls; and that financing or financial incentives be provided so that property owners can afford to retrofit rather than demolish their buildings.