General Portland Discussion

[PlantArch]

Portland unveils plans to revitalize Congress Street amid growing safety concerns

I do get there are legitimate safety concerns in the area, but to call what they're proposing a 'revitalization' is laughable. As far as I can tell they're proposing: a different approach for city staff in dealing with the homeless, 'safety measures and tools', a (one?) new bike share station, the return of the arts market? Seasonal outdoor seating? Interest free loans for businesses to update storefronts? I would say the city is doing the bare minimum, but I think it's even less than that. No mention of lighting, at the very least? Come on...

That was exactly my impression. As one with 40 years experience in designing public spaces I laughed at the thought that this was going to have anything but a negative effect on the area. Who do they think is going to be occupying those seasonal seats? It will be those they would rather encourage to move out of the area. Again in typical Portland fashion it is lipstick on a pig.

 

[PWMFlyer]

Again, a kneejerk response to something that should have been done 4 years ago, but with Covid it, the problem increased.
There are positives that no one talks about?
465 Congress Street Hotel Conversion
Portland Public Market Conversion to Maine Public
Starbucks on upper Congress to a new Coffee hangout
Herald Sq project
Live nation project
477 Time & Temp building
511 office to apartment conv.
To curb these issues, fix the lights that have been out for 4 years
Go after Cross Jewelers for boarding up there storefront. Who approved this? I doubt it went to the Historic Cmm
Artist studios should occupy vacant stores
Bring back Alive at 5, Farmers Market, close down congress street for art walk, bring back the Sidewalk Art festival by Channel 6
Fire the current Downtown District Director.... what has been done?

 

[TC_zoid]

Creative enthusiastic residents with a proper work ethic make a city great. If many are wandering around on crank and flakka and fentanyl, I don't see a revitalization. I see this behavior all over the country now. Why would it change if we don't address it?