PORTLAND, Ore. — In a much-anticipated announcement, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson led a press conference this week to celebrate the return of Sunday Parkways to downtown Portland, marking the event’s revival after a six-year hiatus.
Set to commence next month, Sunday Parkways will transform parts of the city into vibrant community spaces by closing streets to vehicle traffic for a weekly block party organized by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT).
The revival of this beloved program aligns with the city’s initiative to promote Portland Staycation, which invites residents to engage in a weekend filled with events from September 12-14.
“I do want to just talk about bringing that Portland spirit, that opportunity to restore and repair and revitalize the community that we also love very much, and that’s what today is about,” said Mayor Wilson, emphasizing the community-centered approach to the revitalization initiatives.
Millicent Williams, PBOT director, echoed Wilson’s sentiments, stating, “We’re proud to bring Sunday Parkways back downtown as a part of the city’s intentional effort to revitalize the core of our city.”
The decision to restart Sunday Parkways comes as Portland seeks to encourage foot traffic to downtown after a significant decline due to the pandemic.
However, the agency has recently faced criticism for its actions regarding outdoor seating arrangements, particularly affecting local restaurants.
In June, PBOT ordered the removal of seating structures outside restaurants along Northwest 13th Avenue in the Pearl District, effectively dissolving what had been known as a “Public Street Plaza.”
This decision followed months of warnings and fines issued to the businesses.
One such establishment, Cafe Nell, located at Northwest Kearney Street and 20th Avenue, has been informed that it must change or remove much of the outdoor seating installed during the pandemic, with the city citing safety concerns.
Owner Vanessa Preston spoke out about the difficulties she faces, sharing that her platform has been deemed too close to the intersection, stating, “This platform that had existed for five years was now 4-and-a-half feet too close to this intersection.”
Preston expressed her frustration over receiving fines for minor issues while observing more significant obstructions, such as tents blocking sidewalks nearby.
“Here I am being fined for having a rug on the sidewalk,” she said, adding, “I can show you photos of eight to 12 tents totally blocking the sidewalk within a four-block radius of here.”
In response to concerns from local businesses, Williams stated that PBOT has sought to collaborate with restaurants regarding their outdoor dining setups.
“While we want to make sure we are helping businesses to activate, we need to make sure we are doing so responsibly and that the right of way’s maintained well,” Williams explained.
Changes in guidelines reflect a need for order post-pandemic, she added, acknowledging that this can impose burdens on business owners.
PBOT provided Cafe Nell with a six-month compliance period before the fines would take effect, according to an agency spokesperson.
Preston is currently in the process of appealing the city’s decision, having already made several adjustments to comply.
She voiced a plea for greater support from the city, arguing, “The city should roll out the red carpet to those of us who are digging in deep and trying to stay a part of the community.”
Her concerns included the potential repercussions of the city’s actions, questioning whether closing her restaurant would better serve the community or the city itself.
“It’s disheartening to see the city send a business a fine and a threat instead of working together for a solution. Is the city going to be better off if I close this restaurant down? Is this community going to be better off?” she asked.
As the city strives to attract visitors back to downtown, it has simultaneously raised parking fees and extended enforcement hours, leading to further dissatisfaction among residents and business owners alike.
Starting September 2, parking in downtown Portland will cost $3.60 an hour, up from $2.20 in 2022, and enforcement hours will now extend until 10 p.m. each day, rather than the previous 7 p.m.
Addressing these changes, Wilson stated, “We see downtown foot traffic increasing, but fees are a way to just fund that transportation network.”
He noted the deteriorating condition of the city’s infrastructure as part of the rationale behind the adjustments, saying, “When we look at our roads, they’re crumbling — we see it outside of our windshield, we see it under our bike tires.”
While striving for a revitalized downtown, Wilson remarked on the importance of supporting local businesses, while acknowledging the ongoing discussions surrounding parking and fees.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations about parking — the new extension of hours, the increase in the fees,” Williams added.
She expressed hope for continued cooperation with local partners to ensure that the changes implemented truly support businesses in their survival and growth.
image source from：kgw
