PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Illegal campers accused of taking over a Southeast Portland park are causing frustrations with neighbors who say their presence has become a nuisance in recent months.

Jenny Harp recently contacted KOIN 6 News to express concerns with the state of Gates Park, which she says is now rife with illegal activity.

A pile of trash, shopping carts, beer bottles and furniture left behind by transients greet visitors as they enter the park at SE 136th Avenue and SE Holgate Boulevard.

“It’s getting out of hand,” Harp said regarding the illegal campers. “It’s starting to attract a larger problem.”

Harp says it all began 6 months ago when a man parked his RV at the edge of Gates Park. Since then, more campers have reportedly flocked to the spot.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation has the authority to address illegal campers and abandoned vehicles. Dylan Rivera says the bureau gets hundreds of calls a day, and it often takes weeks for enforcement officers to handle individual complaints.

“A lot of times we are following the same vehicles around town,” Rivera explained. “We prioritize urgent health and safety concerns, so if there’s an imminent threat to safety or a treat of violence or illegal activity, like drug use or that sort of thing.”

But RVs like the one Harp complained about often travel from spot to spot, making it hard for PBOT to track them down. That’s why the bureau established the One Point site, which gives neighbors an outlet to express concerns or report issues.

It also provides resources for homeless campers in the city.

“These folks may need information about contact service providers,” Rivera said. “They may need information about homeless resources or other resources.”

City leaders will meet with neighbors at Gates Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. to discuss concerns about illegal camping. A clean-up crew will be there in the morning.