As reported Monday, the mayor is seeking feedback on his new sidewalk management initiative. He got some this morning from Patrick Nolen, with nonprofit Soapbox Under The Bridge.
Nolen had concerns about the repeated mention of private security in the plan, and about its inclusion of the downtown retail strategy. “I would hope that is not going to become some kind of ‘if you aren’t shopping down here, go somewhere else’ plan,” said Nolen.
“Goodness, no,” said the mayor.
Nolen also asked that any oversight group put together to oversee the plan makes “a concerted effort to include people with experience of homelessness on it.”
“Very helpful, thank you,” said City Commissioner Amanda Fritz.
Nolen praised council’s efforts to build a Resource Access Center for the homeless, which will move ahead this afternoon at the Portland Development Commission.
“Nolen had concerns about the repeated mention of private security in the plan, and about its inclusion of the downtown retail strategy.”
Yes, how very ODD that a plan aimed at keeping sidewalks clear/safe downtown would take into account the economic well-being of downtown merchants. Positively daft, if you ask me.
I don’t think Nolen has a problem with accommodating their needs. I think it’s the idea of accommodating their needs at all costs, that he has a problem with, in theory.
“‘Goodness, no,’ said the mayor.”
And the mayor would never look you right in the eye and lie to you, right?
Mr Nolen is prudent in ensuring that the council is not using code words to rid the downtown of a population from whom they have taken over 1600 dwelling places, leaving many no where else to go but the streets. (MercyCorps is a culpable partner with the city in this, by the way.) Public spaces are the commons for all people. This includes commerce but it also includes civic and public life. The people own the streets and sidewalks. Granted there are those who make the streets dangerous. Some have homes. Some do not. Some are in rags. Some are in three piece suits.
people before profit
Didn’t Mr. Nolen resign from the SAFE oversight committee?
It’s the enforcement of the new regulation that will make the difference, not some committee having no real impact over the enforcement.
Dan,
sorry, I don’t see your point. While working for Sisters, I did indeed withdraw from the SAFE oversight committee, but what does that have to do with having an opinion on the new law? The reason I (and Sisters) left was because of a shared opinion at Sisters at that time that we were not in the right spot (on the committee).
we should go out to coffee sometime,its been forever man
thanks
Patrick