HFO-TV: City Loses Latest Round in Portland’s Unreinforced Masonry Battle

U.S. Federal Judge John Acosta has already ordered the City of Portland to pay the legal fees of unreinforced masonry (URM) owners for the battle over placard signage of URM buildings. In a hearing on September 17, the Judge scheduled in-person court dates for October 24th and 31st to ensure that the Portland City Council holds a hearing and a vote on its repeal of the placard ordinances on October 23rd and 30th, respectively. The Judge indicated that if the City Council fails to abide by the City Attorney’s promises to the Court, he will require Mayor Wheeler and Commissioner Hardesty to personally appear before the Court to explain the failure to comply.