 In 1912, when Lents had a population nearing 10,000, the city of Portland annexed the suburb.Because of its distance from central Portland and lower income residents, the neighborhood suffered delays in getting street and sewer improvements.The I-205 Freeway was originally destined for 39th Avenue, but the powerful and wealthier residents of Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood successfully lobbied to have the path changed to 52nd Avenue.