It looks like Portland liberals are at work. I visited the city last summer and found it disgusting. There were people passed out in the doorways of downtown retail establishments. Tourists were stepping over them.
The City of Portland has passed an ordinance that fines commercial property owners for vacant storefronts, with fines ranging from $500 for spaces vacant for six months to over $7,500 for spaces empty for 10 years. Owners can obtain a waiver by agreeing to allow the city to install temporary art installations in the vacant space.
Portland officials should first clean up the city, then maybe the retail will fill up. Do not blame the real estate owners for the city’s failures.
John Hurley
Bonita Springs, Fla.
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