In the early 1980s, a young Steph Routh would have confidently pointed to Gateway Shopping Center as downtown Portland’s epicenter, reflecting a vibrant community hub with bustling storefronts.
For Routh, now 49 and a long-time resident of East Portland, the Gateway was filled with treasures, from music stores to bead shops, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage and explore.
Established in 1954 by grocery store magnate Fred Meyer, Gateway was envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth in East Portland, symbolized by a grand concrete arch in the parking lot meant to signify development and community.
However, that vision has waned over decades, replaced by vacant buildings and abandoned parking lots serving as stark reminders of economic challenges and neglect.
The area has increasingly become overshadowed by Portland’s homelessness crisis and crime, sparking concerns among residents and businesses alike about the future of the once-thriving shopping district.
The recent announcement of a “For Sale” sign at the Gateway Shopping Center, coupled with the closure of the Fred Meyer store, which had served as an anchor for more than 70 years, highlights the district’s decline.
For many, the demise of the shopping center represents a lost opportunity and a persistent message of neglect from the city representatives towards East Portland, which predominantly comprises low-income residents.
Steph Routh, who now chairs the city’s planning commission, articulated the prevailing sentiment of resignation associated with Fred Meyer’s closure.
She stated, “Fred Meyer closing, it’s the latest data point telling us that we don’t matter out here. It’s hard news. But it doesn’t have to be the end of our story.”
Historical trust issues have marked the Gateway neighborhood’s relationship with the city. After annexation in the 1980s, residents felt cheated as promised infrastructure improvements did not materialize, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction within the community.
Frieda Christopher, a long-time resident of Hazelwood, articulated the frustrations of many longtime homeowners, noting, “A lot of promises were made… but they were also supposed to improve streets and sidewalks and parks, which they never did.”
Doubts morphed into disillusionment when the city adopted a redevelopment plan in 2000 to invest in transportation, housing, and public spaces, pegging Gateway as an urban renewal district with a promise of revitalization through $164 million in borrowing.
Despite some positive developments, including improved infrastructure and the addition of housing units, significant investments have appeared sparse, and trust continues to wane.
Residents noted that the city focused more on districts like the Pearl District rather than addressing the needs of Gateway.
Despite some successes, the last decade has seen stagnation in external investment, creating barriers for local businesses.
Nidal Kahl, owner of a furniture store, explains that onerous city regulations have hindered growth and development in the area, pushing businesses to the brink.
Kahl recounted his attempts to expand his store, saying, “If that were to happen, it would force me into bankruptcy… All I wanted to do was make an investment in my community. But I couldn’t.”
Development difficulties stem not only from restrictive regulations but also from residents having to bear the brunt of funding infrastructure improvements—costs not covered when the city annexed these neighborhoods.
Prosper Portland’s Brian Moore acknowledged the city’s hesitation to continue growth in Gateway, emphasizing that developers are deterred by the extensive costs associated with lacking infrastructure.
With the city unable to manage the growing issues of safety and crime in the shopping district, major retailers like Fred Meyer have started to close locations in response to economic pressures stemming from homelessness and theft.
Councilor Jamie Dunphy noted, “We built some of the best public transportation infrastructure in Gateway, but our failure to respond to homelessness has turned the MAX into a day shelter.”
Consequently, local businesses feel undervalued and increasingly vulnerable, finding it difficult to remain viable amidst escalating crime.
Jeung, a manager of Lily Market, expressed that theft and the presence of homeless camps have deterred customers, sharing his sadness over Fred Meyer’s closure.
The repercussions of the shopping center’s closure extend beyond mere grocery options, posing a significant threat to job security with a projected loss of 250 jobs in the area.
Longtime East Portland resident Terrance Hayes emphasized the crucial impact this absence would have on the community’s workforce and economic stability.
“Jobs like Fred Meyer, this is how people pay their bills,” he stated, highlighting the importance of retaining local employment opportunities in East Portland.
The recent governmental overhaul has created the potential for renewed political representation in East Portland, following significant disengagement in prior decades when only a fraction of the council had lived in or experienced the challenges faced by Eastern neighborhoods.
The election of three councilors from District 1 has sparked hope among residents for a more vested interest in their issues moving forward, as Routh emphasized the importance of harnessing this political opportunity for meaningful change.
Routh envisions a rejuvenation plan for Gateway Shopping Center, utilizing the remaining TIF funds while fostering a sense of community involvement in the planning stages.
With the renewed extension of TIF funds, totaling approximately $60 million in available resources, there exists potential for alternative developments to spark new business initiatives in Gateway.
Nevertheless, apprehension remains among residents regarding equitable attention being allotted amidst the city’s other high-profile development projects.
Christopher, a voice for community accountability, is determined to see that Gateway receives serious consideration from city leaders, calling for equal focus on East Portland’s developments.
As the city approaches crucial decision-making opportunities, statements from Mayor Wilson reaffirm that the Gateway area holds unrealized potential and is ready for revitalization through public-private partnerships.
Wilson stated, “We are committed to fostering a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that includes commercial services and a variety of housing options for all income levels.”
Councilor Candace Avalos supports this revitalization vision, calling for broader discussions on what constitutes a thriving community, aiming to integrate small businesses and community spaces into the development narrative.
But with the community’s focus heavily centered on basic needs, Dunphy stressed the importance of securing a grocery store similar to Fred Meyer, which satisfies residents’ immediate survival necessities.
As discussions continue, a balance must be struck between addressing critical community needs and fostering innovative development to move East Portland forward.
Inaction, however, brings risks of further closures and community discontent, as evidenced by Kahl’s shifting sentiments towards his business, contemplating selling due to overwhelming obstacles in sustaining growth and interest in his local enterprise.
As he grapples with the current state of Gateway and his business, Kahl continues to reflect on his family’s legacy and looks for a sustainable path forward in an increasingly uncertain environment.
image source from：opb
