Downtown Portland has had quite a week, but it’s bigger than that

REI announced its plan to vacate the longtime downtown location. Meanwhile, newcomer Shake Shack got vandalized before it had a chance to open. Paired with longer-term trends in the area and some hiccups in the local response, downtown isn't looking so hot right now.
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[@MsKimifer]

Guys, calm down. We have formed a committee to meet with the committee committee and coordinate a committee meeting to discuss this.

[@oceania2385]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GoBrand0n]

You think like a progressive liberal . Now bend Over 😉

[@rickgonzales1219]

That was fricken funny I had to show my wife as o was laughing. So true.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Ted Wheeler is going to fix all this! He just needs your vote!!

[@ryanlemmers5300]

Don’t forget the emergency task force executive ordered to study this issue in depth. 😂

[@whatwhome6914]

No matter how bad it gets, the people of Portland continue to vote for their own demise. It's like some kind of destructive mental illness.

[@joshmiller2725]

It’s called mass formation, and the past 2 years taught us how dangerous it can be.

[@rizon72]

They've been trained to think no matter how bad democrats are, republicans are 10X worse. Its a mantra that democrats have been doing for decades now. I recall hearing it back when I lived in California in the 80s in high school.

[@Rat-Builder]

Just like a moth drawn to a flame! It is so hot, but they just HAVE to go closer. The Democrats in that area would rather jump off of a bridge than vote Republican. Even if it is so dangerous that they are afraid to leave their house, KEEP voting Democrat!!!!!! NEVER EVER trust a Republican!!!!! They are not for the "people!" By "people," I mean criminals!

[@ericw3229]

It's called Liberalism

[@alvarorubenvera5915]

Leftism is a mental disorder

[@Wythaneye]

"All options are on the table". Well, except for punishing criminals, it seems.

[@MA__]

And one of the big unspoken reasons for that is race. Crime is committed disproportionately to the population, and the government thinks it's a bad look to prosecute crime fairly for this reason.

[@Jianju69]

@@MA__ It's the same story everywhere: [we cannot enforce the law because we will be accused of racism.] It's everywhere.

[@Rochelle937]

Great comment!!!!!!!!! We can't punish them because they are victims of privilege and imperialism (or something like that).

[@wezylinn]

​@@MA__ which is absolutely ridiculous. It's not anyone's fault that blacks commit more crimes than whites except the criminal's fault. They could just stop committing crimes. Oh wait...but, it's not their fault. They can't help it. Sorry, I forgot.

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@tundo1101]

The definition of insanity is voting for the same thing over and over and expecting different results !

[@randomanton]

or just voting in general, and thinking politicians actually care about you

[@DieselRamcharger]

@@randomanton they dont. which is why voting is so necessary. if you dont participate you are going to get fucking steam rolled. Vote NO to EVERYTHING!

[@JanBruunAndersen]

Maybe part of the insanity is to give everyone a vote?

[@DavidWatkiss]

@@randomanton so true Republicans are not the answer to this cities and nations woes but demonrats are most certainly the cause

[@LEARSIKCIGAM]

notice Teddy never mentions the DA office.

[@619dunner]

Man, who thought letting hooligans take over your city would make it less desirable for businesses and residents? I'm shocked, I tell you.😅

[@wiv2631]

But shouldn't the hooligans feel accepted and loved? After all, they probably vote Democrat too

[@therealrobinbullock]

Just keep re-electing the same politicians, over, and over, and over.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

They will fix it! Just need your vote (again).

[@bluechex7881]

elections are as fake as the news

[@bbennett40]

And blame the other guys for the problems.

[@KidCorporate]

B-b-b-but the p-p-proud boys!

[@kevinx9225]

Unfortunately, Wheeler was better than the nutcase running against him.

[@tomallan5000]

The saddest part is that Portland has and is doing this to themselves. The lack of police support and the people doing most of theft and vandalism live there. They vote for the inept politicians and their policies. Portland may not like the result but they caused it to happen.

[@MomentumGear]

police support? ted wheeler is both mayor and police commissioner. He is in charge of all of it.. he has literally tied the hands of police officers while screwing the people of portland.

[@fasteddie4107]

Very true. Aren’t the stupid people of Portland only getting what they have repeatedly voted for? No one feels sorry for morons who turned their city into the shithole that it has become. Portland, you can all now live out your politics to their full, inevitable, invariable, destructive end. Just please don’t move away and spread the infection that is you.

[@user-kz4iv8hr3s]

Vote blue no matter who

[@fasteddie4107]

Yes, do not move away and please do vote blue no matter who. The rest of the country has the intellectual curiosity to see what your city looks like when it reaches its the point of its final gasping breaths of life. We want to know if Mad Max is your future or just another Detroit. Please do not wisen up and certainly do not vote Right. Curios minds - those would be thinking minds - want to know.

[@robertblecher9678]

But that's what they vote for they love it! They are all mentally ill

[@farmcat3198]

Let's break windows, just because we feel like it. What a depressing level of societal decay.

[@MA__]

The teachers in the schools teach this attitude. It's noble to break windows because colonization!

[@edwardharley9]

yes but we will not say just what "group" , the group that matters, is doing all this.

[@MA__]

@@edwardharley9anti-white, anti-American, anti-Christian scum is who.

[@traderjeff1192]

It's real simple, if someone commits a crime put them in jail. The people of Portland seem to be to stupid to understand this.

[@mrbeaverstate]

Thank you for not giving the city/Mayor a free pass on this issue, to often they are treated with kid gloves.

[@derekyosi]

Too

[@diogenesofsinope3730]

The people in Portland and Oregon, in general, are enslaved by "elections" rigged by the media/democrat complex. No sane person actually votes for this destruction of a once great city and state.

[@mrryanalcala]

It’s not the mayor’s fault. He’s a reflection of the people that live there. I used to love visiting Portland. People want change, yet they keep voting in the same people.

[@Vladpryde]

@@mrryanalcala That's because they don't want change.....they want ideology.

[@marshallstacy6243]

They will still vote for democrats so nothing will change

[@juelettefadness7344]

My niece recently made a trip to Vancouver BC. When she came back through Customs the agent asked her where her hometown was, and when she answered "Portland" he responded with "That's too bad". How can we expect people to come here for vacations or conventions? I've lived here since 1957 and it hurts my heart to see Portland in this downward spiral. I'm tired of hearing that the mayor and city council are "working on it".

[@zoso73]

When will Portlanders finally wake up and vote for conservative candidates that support the police?

[@JamesG1126]

You probably voted for Ted and Tina and take no responsibility. You're part of the problem. Kate was a hell of a Pride Parade grand marshal.

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Your fellow voters are to blame 100%

[@jordanjay1479]

Why don't yal take action? Organize and protect your neighborhood.

[@JamesG1126]

@@jordanjay1479 The only action to take is to move out.

[@johnhasty3411]

Keeping Portland weird was the motto. Now it’s just sad… keeping it sad….

[@umu-i-d2785]

Why can't more news presenters be like this guy?? Honestly he's the only presenter I have seen on any news channel that seems calm and genuine.

[@chriswiesel9814]

Because they have to tow the party line. Wanted to visit Portland but not anytime soon.

[@alicelong3613]

Try news for reasonable people on yt

[@mikeo1141]

Don't expect your city leaders to do anything to improve things. This is all part of the plan, and the plan is working perfectly.

[@williamkirby8092]

They wantt ]he country to fail, they hate this country. Learned to hate it in college, they think socialism will fix it. It wont

[@oldguy7402]

They would rule over a wasteland as long as they remain in office.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

It certainly is, isn’t it? Sewing chaos…

[@charlesritter6640]

PNAC

[@johnmdeweese]

We had an apartment in downtown Portland in the LADD apartment building. It got so bad we broke our lease six months early and moved. It was horrible walking out the front doors of the apartment building because there were tents up and down the street. The smell of urine was awful. Dirty syringes were on the sidewalk. Just walking to the Safeway to get necessities was frightful. Always 4 to 5 people at the door asking for money or food. I always felt unsafe telling them no because I needed money and food for my family. I do not see how downtown Portland is ever going to come back from what is happening now. I think it's past the tipping point.

[@mbishop5954]

Yikes... sounds like a scary post-apocalyptic scenario. What a shame you had to move because you did not feel safe in your own home.

[@kenmurphy7762]

Listening to what’s going on in City Council meetings, and in the halls of Salem, these folks don’t get it and Portland this doomed.

[@vuechang6291]

I live at Ladd currently. My car has been broken into twice in the last 30 days. Have had to replace 3 windows.

[@mbishop5954]

@@vuechang6291 So sorry to hear that. What do you think should be done? What will actually be done?

[@zoso73]

I hope you've learned your lesson and that you vote Republican at your federal state and local elections. And if you refuse to vote Republican, make absolutely certain the Democrat candidate does NOT embrace or tolerate Progressive (i.e., socialist) policies. This stuff is not rocket science.

[@jaylewis5035]

Portland, you are not alone. Pittsburgh has fallen with such ferocity that those ensconced in the suburbs are not yet aware of the horrors awaiting them should they venture Downtown. Judged one of America's "most livable" cities just 10 years ago. One of my suburban neighbors described a brief walk to an attorney's office as "A Walk Through Hell".

[@allensacharov5424]

I am a native pittsburgher and have not returned for a number of years. It is truly sad to hear this

[@seankrug4995]

Time to take the gloves off. We need to start dealing with homelessness in all its situations. Those who are schizophrenic or have drug additions need to be put in rehab and/or hospitalized. Those who can be trained to plant trees or collect garbage need to be employed. Decreasing homelessness would make a major impact. Those who assault and/or do vandalism need to be treated harshly.

[@excusemenoexcusemeno1671]

That be great but first you have to vote out those city officials.

[@veritas3179]

Or jail.

[@thevinceberry]

Earring guy might say that's inhumane

[@casienwhey]

All good ideas, but doubtful they will implement them.

[@George-vf7ss]

You voted for this, and now you're getting it good and hard. Quit complaining.

[@GoBrand0n]

I Love seeing people Portland suffers. It's very Entertaining, the more crimes , Drugs and homelessness the better. They wanted this 😅

[@user-zg1wz8fh8f]

Majority rules means that if 50%+1 of the voters want something, everyone else suffers. Not everyone voted for this. Sure, there is a certain amount of schadenfraude, but the joy taken at Portland's expense could also be taken at the expense of honest, law-abiding blacks who are powerless in their communities and do not vote with the majority for their civil-society- and economy destroying policies.

[@jasonbennett5914]

@@user-zg1wz8fh8f Oregon used to be conservative but hasn’t had a Republican governor for 40 years. Not that this is the answer to economic woes but it would damn sure be a huge step in the right direction because-at this point-anything would be a better option than the options of far left or lunatic left. The voters of Portlandistan, Eugene and Salem created this mess and they’re overwhelmingly Democrat. The white liberal voters have always made things worse with their patronizing, condescending and heavy-handed views that translate into misguided policy. All I can say is move, which is what my wife and I will be doing as soon as our youngest graduates from high school.

[@eatlaughandstupid4430]

@@user-zg1wz8fh8f people never learn...New York in the 70s went to hell...you have not seen hell yet...it is coming...

[@kennyshepard-ww1gk]

@@user-zg1wz8fh8f don't vote for democrats

[@flow1406]

After living in Portland most my life, and having a small business, I left. Downtown and the Pearl are so dismal. I have been chased and screamed at and threatened and just walking around with all the needles, urine, vomit, garbage and tents and abused children and animals it’s just so depressing. The energy of the city is very very bad. The local government is criminal for allowing this to happen to its citizens and economy. It is legal by the way to be homeless with children.

[@brentabel5094]

I live in the Pearl and I am getting ready to leave which is tough because this is my home. It's beyond criminal what this city is doing which is literally nothing but not enough people speak up instead they have protests for transgender rights every other day instead of about the crime. Portland is the stupidest city in the world IMO.

[@zoso73]

Wait. How is the "local government criminal"? You and other Democrats voted them in to power because you thought their Progressive policies were wise. And if you didn't vote them in, I hope you voted for the conservative candidate rather than not vote at all.

[@brentabel5094]

@bianchi1885 Wtf you talking about I am Republican and if you lived here you would learn there is a shit load of us here. I personally don't know any leftists they all switched sides. It's a small minority in our cities government that are looney lefties. The main problem is Portland is a very youthful city and the kids here are all next level leftists and vote and they are winning dems elections. Last note Oregon percentage wise by county is the most Republican state in country with 80% of our counties being red buy Portland is so huge is controls the whole state.

[@joshmiller2725]

Lol and let me guess, you didn’t vote for those “criminals” or their policies, correct? Please do me a favor, when you move out or that hellhole you created to somewhere nice, please, please, please don’t vote.

[@jenniferpearce1052]

@@zoso73 What conservative candidate?

[@hologramhouse729]

I lived in Portland for 8 months last year : You are NOT and NEVER safe downtown (Nor anywhere else, except for maybe Beaverton)

[@Blueraazor]

Cant go downtown when cars get stolen in front of central precinct with no repercussions.

[@Pmckean4115]

Start putting the criminals in prison. Too many have moved here for a free pass.

[@safeandeffectivelol]

It's up to the voters. Maybe when the 1% and those in power start hurting, things might change

[@Rochelle937]

Criminals in prison?? What a radical idea!

[@harriettedaisy2233]

I suggest the Portland city council take a group tour of downtown Detroit.

[@ericw3229]

Really? You been paying attention to all the violence in Downtown Detroit ? Crime is out of control down there! I live just outside the city. How 13 readers liked your comment it astounding

[@alicelong3613]

@@ericw3229 that was the point

[@edmunddonnelly3881]

Portland is just a social experiment at this point, and it's fucking great entertainment.

[@jeffcurtis5470]

No it's pathetic.

[@surfrescue3232]

I agree and it’s funny !! Just because you all thought you were soooo cool and radical and above it all… looking down at us who weren’t progressive ! Suffer .

[@edmunddonnelly3881]

@@jeffcurtis5470 It´s only pathetic if you care for some reason.

[@oceania2385]

The best part ? The activist class that despises capitalism will see this as a huge win.

[@user-ge6bv4hf7t]

exactly. wish more ppl would realize this and stop with the dis and mis info

[@amygirl9534]

Not really. Liberals dislike big business, but they do want to see small businesses thriving, and they aren’t. No one is. Like homeboy said, conservative, liberal, doesn’t matter. Everyone is fed up and depressed right now.

[@ourtechwriter]

​@@amygirl9534Yes, really! You think conservatives are little hitlers or pol pots. You're still stupid. Pound your liberal head on the floor; the sound you hear is your marbles bouncing around. Take a math course; crime and liberalism go together.

[@robertherman1146]

@@amygirl9534Bull. It’s 100% democrats fault.

[@kevinx9225]

Since 2002 I spent a lot of free time and money in downtown Portland. For the last 3 years it's been as little as possible. There are plenty of other places that actually work hard to provide a safe and welcoming environment. It's actually not that hard.

[@wezylinn]

All options are on the table...except arresting, charging, and prosecuting criminals, making hard drugs illegal, as they should be, and enforcing the city code of no camping in city limits. But, all other options👍

[@susanthomas5445]

Well said.

[@terenceyuen4424]

You should go to any city in Japan. Whenever I visit it's shocking what a civilized society feels like. I live in Vancouver BC which is turning into Portland..........

[@wezylinn]

@@terenceyuen4424 I can't imagine!

[@aprilboneski4639]

They could also increase their art tax. People do drugs because they are sad that there is not enough art.

[@wezylinn]

@aprilboneski4639 trust me, tweekers aren't going to stop because tax-paying citizens pay more money for the arts. Maybe they should have some self control, go to treatment, and pay into the art tax themselves. I know MANY drug addicts and alcoholics, have lived with them, tried to help them, even supported some of them myself. I know addicts and how they work. We pay enough taxes in this hell hole we call Portland.

[@daveh893]

Same here in Chicago. I don't recommend friends visit Chicago. It has become too dangerous. And as in Portland, the political leadership doesn't have any real plan to deal with the situation.

[@MA__]

And how could they? Enforcing laws against criminals is too much of a liability anywhere in the US

[@daveh893]

@@MA__ Good point.

[@lowboyyy]

"I'm working on it" well could ya stop, you're making it worse

[@caracoates4834]

Not just your safety walking to the venue but also leaving your car in the lot. Most of the parking lots have glass everywhere, and the stairwells smell like sewers. I have been downtown for dinner, but we use Uber now. It is much easier to stay in the suburbs, especially since restaurant options have improved since the pandemic.

[@jimwillingham8052]

Why ever go downtown?

[@bobsacamano7653]

I walk through downtown almost everyday. They must be doing a good job cleaning up, because I didn't see this yesterday.

[@MA__]

​@@bobsacamano7653 it would be interesting to know how much money they put towards cleanup. They do it before any events that bring tourism. Last time I was in downtown I saw a hazmat van with a bunch of uniformed cleaning who knows what off the sidewalk

[@caracoates4834]

@@bobsacamano7653 I hope they clean it up and make the city safer. My sister lives downtown, and it has been a rough three years. I agree with you that they made some progress.

[@bobsacamano7653]

​@@jimwillingham8052 college

[@evanduckworth6682]

In 2018 I moved from Chicago to work at a theater in the pearl. Pre-shutdown I didn't really think too much about my safety, but I did clock that the issues on the streets were far worse than anything I experienced in Chicago (which is ironic given our reputation back home for being so unsafe). It definitely felt like something changed after reopening though. The parking garages in particular got a LOT worse, not helped by the management companies of those lots automating everything and removing the attendants and security. I can't count how many times we'd head back to the garage and on a good day finding someone shooting up next to your car, on a bad day finding your window smashed and ignition ripped out. Our patrons leave around 9:30-10p, but our house managers, stage managers, facilities, and especially us technicians are leaving even later than that. It's more or less fine down there during the day, but at night the pearl is just left to rot. It's hard for any business to fight this fight, let alone a non-profit that's dependent on trying to get 600 butts in seats every night. It'll have a place in my heart, but my life is definitely a lot more peaceful since I left that company and that area.

[@brentabel5094]

Chicago's main problem is all the Gangs there and all the thugs and gangsters running all over the city not the homeless.

[@stephanieaya3992]

We avoid downtown at all costs now. We’re afraid of getting our car broken into or walking around after dark. We barely feel safe walking around in our own neighborhood. I understand there are not enough court-appointed attorneys to represent criminal defendants in our city, so those cases just languish away and the bad guys walk free. There are no consequences, so what’s to stop them?

[@MH_6160]

Maybe look at what cases the DA is just dismissing and not even trying to prosecute….

[@johnswanson3741]

Maybe we need to enact the vigilante force freedom act

[@EChan-eu2co]

​@@MH_6160 Suspects have the right to an attorney and speedy trial, this is under the law. If there's no public defender available, they can't be held for long and they can't be tried.

[@user-zg1wz8fh8f]

Both the federal and state court buildings downtown are fenced/walled off and boarded up and the lower levels. That signals weakness and surrender by the government

[@benjurqunov]

That only show their budget for clean up and new glass can not sustain daily criminal vandalism. But... Cheer up, Portland repeatedly voted for leadership what allows this.

[@emmerz325]

I wish

[@roryreid3124]

Only a moron would think that ... the weakness is ted wheeler and gov kotex and every demorat in the state ... theyre all braindead losers

[@ianmackenzie686]

But all government is strong when targeting law abiding taxpayers.

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@suemccord2633]

I haven't been back to Portland in 5 years. Disgusting! Can't walk downtown anymore at all. The harassment and filth is Disgusting!

[@edmunddonnelly3881]

That sounds phobic and intolerant, and I feel threatened.

[@funnyfaceaz]

I went to Portland in 2018 to visit my son and his wife. They have lived there for several years. Things are now so bad there that they moved out today. I am very glad they did. I was worried about their safety.

[@dabeagleigl]

Time for what is known as “broken windows” policing, Which is known to work

[@JoeOvercoat]

New York City’s foray into broken windows policing did not return the results they expected. What you really need here is prosecution of all criminality, including someone who breaks windows for fun.

[@naturdoc4076]

I was at this REI when a homeless looking guy stole an expensive item right in front of me. The security guard had been watching and following him but could do nothing. It made me feel unsafe. Too bad portland likes homeless people

[@charlesritz6509]

Would you ever see nonsense like this here in Japan? Not a chance. Swift enforcement and merciless justice.

[@Legaiathan-yu7kj]

Have fun with Kim’s missile launches 👍

[@rnettles6241]

I'd take North Korea over a negrow population any day.

[@EB-sh2jr]

​@@Legaiathan-yu7kj they are all aimed at the u.s. cess pool. You drained the swamp and found Trump headquarters in a glass dome at the bottom

[@alicelong3613]

@@Legaiathan-yu7kj have fun with an invading military, as the US military is too weak to save you!

[@ciarankelly4338]

You are spot on and you would not see this in Singapore either! Poor leadership and soft on crime.I visited Portland many years ago and stayed at Benson Hotel - lovely safe city then and very friendly people. Greetings from Ireland!

[@vedacarmony5754]

Lots of jerks here. My car was vandalized twice in the last two years. My neighbor was abducted and murdered...right next door. Crime all over. People here really suck.

[@evegreenification]

This is my angle on it as well. it seems to me that the real problem is meanness and bad people. i would count Wheeler, Schmidt and whoever is paying them to destroy the city so it can be bought up cheap as mean people. Also, i would add that the members of the criminal population are mean people. The people who keep saying in the comment sections that the voters wanted this are mean people, but also the extreme left which was busy judging everyone so hard and 'calling people out' was also very mean. We really have quite a supply of very mean, ugly spirit people.

[@jasonbennett5914]

Your comments are thought-provoking, although I would question your supposition that bad people are destroying the city so real estate can be bough up ‘on the cheap.’ I’m in real estate and it’s far from cheap and beginning to firm up again after being soft the past year. Also, I don’t think it’s mean at all to call out people for clinging to a completely morally, fiscally and philosophically bankrupt mentality that informs their every thought, action and voting proclivity. The pervasive mentality here is indisputably a cancer as it is self-evidenced in the streets of every major Democrat-run city.

[@MA__]

​@@evegreenification I don't really think it's fair to put the people complaining about the voting in the same category as the people revelling in hatred and destruction in the name of social justice. The people complaining about the voting are frustrated.

[@evegreenification]

@@MA__ i have asked some of those people exactly what their situation is and what inspires them every morning to wake up and write 'now you're getting it good and hard!!' 10x / day on various news vids. i guess my thought is, while 80% of my votes have been helpful, 20% have been part of the problem, and i too am frustrated about the voting-kotek, decriminalization, tents-so i'm not sold that these people always voted correctly in the first place. maybe they did. Good for them. Also, i don't believe voting is our only issue. my theory is that city council and DA have been paid off by a megacorp that wishes to buy up commercial real estate cheap. Republicans can also be bought, so blaming voters when the system is corrupt is adjacent to blaming the victim.

[@ourtechwriter]

​@@evegreenificationyou still don't get it, do you? baby child thinking...blame something else, anything else, except stupid policies and voters.

[@MarkRVillano]

You can only play to an empty house for so long. The artists and performance art companies are eventually going to shutter, as it's far too dangerous to be out and about in Downtown Portland after dark. And that's not to say that it's safe during the day either. Women, along with the elderly are particularly vulnerable to being robbed and assaulted. People eventually get tired of begging for the return of sanity, and those with the means to move will do so, and that includes businesses. You did this to yourself Portland, so don't blame Wheeler. You're the ones who voted for him, and his soft on crime / anti-business policies. As ye sew, so shall ye reap.

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@CTCAL]

Also, enablers of drug users. I can't stand Wheeler or any official who isn't willing to take a hard stance against illicit narcotics. A big part of this is drug induced.

[@MarkRVillano]

@@CTCAL And he literally invites more of them to come every day by advertising that it's not only okay to live and do drugs on city streets, but that Portland will even help them out financially in order for them to maintain their habits.

[@hasletjoe5984]

@@christopherking9338 Please tell me where you would like to move to. I am sure we can help you relocate to Iran, Russia, China.....

[@rnettles6241]

It's not Capitalism running Portland, it's Socialist Arteests, like yourself. So don't call it shoplifting or looting or theft... Call it SHARING with your Aquarian brothers & sisters.

[@vincentvanmeow]

It’s almost like law and order is important

[@carpepoodle]

good luck to that landlord trying to find a new tenant in the Pearl District.

[@user-ge6bv4hf7t]

habibi will have no issue posting his business there.

[@dragonboy718]

i thought pearl was one of the more safer nicer areas?

[@mbishop5954]

It is a huge problem. Landlords will soon default on vacant buildings creating a domino effect. Downtown will become a post-apocalyptic ghost town resulting in diminished tax revenues necessary for basic city services.

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@rschier1]

@@christopherking9338 Epic failure of a comment, yours is.....

[@NoSQLKnowHow]

We used to go to Portland for a nice weekend once or twice a year. Stay in a hotel, look at art, go to Powells, eat out, maybe see a show or go to a museum. Not anymore. The last time we were there our car had to be in a locked and patrolled parking lot. We definitely did not feel safe walking in much of the downtown core. Why go back? The allure is gone.

[@MA__]

Powells supports the policies that make it dangerous to go to Powells

[@karlabritfeld7104]

What allure?!

[@wezylinn]

​@659J I wish people would stop saying this! Not everyone in Portland votes Democrat! Jesus 🙄

[@wezylinn]

@659J ya, not at this point! We need more police and officials who believe that criminals should be punished!

[@rnettles6241]

Stop voting Democrat.

[@faronray5765]

It's not the politicians that have to change, it's the VOTERS. You have to start voting for people that can do the correct job and make tough decisions.

[@mr.foxwiz1653]

It might take the voters 30 years to figure it out. DEMs are not very smart.

[@advancetotabletop5328]

Yep! At least the reds have the House.

[@JimRNJ]

Sadly, you get the government you deserve.

[@alicelong3613]

Too late… they cant outvote this

[@tededuncan2306]

But the voters don’t want change!

[@richardelardi1850]

I live in Oregon. My family of 5 and I would enjoy visiting downtown Portland to see the arts and try the food. Unfortunately, due to crime and homelessness, I am not willing to risk our safety to pay a visit.

[@JamesG1126]

There are no arts and the rat infested food trucks are disgusting.

[@wiv2631]

Continue to stay in the suburbs, vote for liberal politicians, pay taxes and everything will be okay.

[@kennykash6089]

Oregonian? That might be my biggest secret.

[@Ryan_Yang_Barcelona]

Downtown now has not much to see. Chinatown is dead from what I see there is only one restaurant still exists ( this April ) and so many homeless people. And it smells terribly. At Old town, there are Old town pizza brewing voodoo donut and one Japanese soup noodle restaurant seem genuine and nice.

[@99.8Survivor]

I promise, the next elected Dem will fix all of this. 🤣🤣

[@keithjackson8059]

Yep just like Communism always works the next time its tried.

[@JS-yj7ow]

Wheeler…. Nothing to add but one word. Feckless.

[@Jianju69]

Who wants to go downtown for the evening when they are likely to be harassed or accosted?

[@jreify3043]

Remember Portland…. “In a democracy, the people get the government it deserves.”

[@pdxoneway]

"portlands had a quiet week" yeah, that's cause it's only Tuesday.

[@oldproracing9360]

Just keep voting for Democrats…

[@derekyosi]

I never thought I’d leave my birth city. Been a PDX resident for over 30 years and I left at the end of 2021 into 2022. I have no intention of ever going back again. Even visiting risks getting my car windows busted, or tires slashed. What a bummer

[@user-ge6bv4hf7t]

nobody cares.. advice, stop needing validation from others to feel wanted

[@Sacapuntas69]

@@user-ge6bv4hf7t You must care. You spend time to reply to the comment. So you care. Come on.......say it!

[@derekyosi]

@@user-ge6bv4hf7t I feel so wanted now Ty

[@st0n3p0ny]

​@@user-ge6bv4hf7t intelligent people care.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

Yup, I left in 2017.

[@joetrolo7076]

As someone from the East Coast, every story I hear about Portland or Seattle makes me glad I'm on the other side of the country. Bad government has ruined both of those cities. While I feel bad for the good people there, definitely not on my vacation list.

[@majorpayne8373]

Well, don't go to New York, Philadelphia or Baltimore then - just three examples.

[@joetrolo7076]

@@majorpayne8373 don't worry I don't want to go to any of the liberal Utopias

[@alicelong3613]

@@majorpayne8373 he doesn’t need your advice

[@jimm1387]

@@majorpayne8373 Baltimore has always been a mess

[@13Voodoobilly69]

@@alicelong3613 Maybe he doesn’t need your advice 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rustysteed8414]

I wonder how the newscasters vote.

[@inboxnews]

LOL

[@kattycat3502]

Lefty news. What you think?

[@63willys231]

Portland used to be a nice place to visit and check out from Washington. Well since the riots started many people avoided Portland as a whole. I quit my excellent paying job that led me across the bridge from wa... the traffic, the crime and homelessness etc isn't worth the money. Portland has bled into wa.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Umm...wa is also a liberal 💩 hole. Seattle just as bad as Portland.

[@deborahrotman328]

Yup, dressed up walking in high heels trying to get to the performance building with my daughter, having to walk in the center of the road in traffic in order to avoid the houseless tents on the sidewalks along both sides of the street....

[@billmankin6204]

I was a bassist for the Portland Youth Philharmonic when the Schnitz opened after it's stunning renovation from the former Paramount Theater, it's one of the nation's greatest venues and those memories will last forever. Though I don't live in the area anymore, I was deeply saddened to hear of the struggles the performing arts is having in downtown. There are children and young adults showing up to show their skill and dedication to perform while putting themselves in danger, I sincerely hope the administration gets it together and starts to act instead of kicking the can down the road.

[@deanhawk7260]

I used to attend concerts at Schnitzer and Newmark Theatre, but since the pandemic hit and then the zombie homeless apocalypse, I haven’t been downtown in over 3 years. Safely being a major factor.

[@MA__]

You forgot a little thing called the BLM riots

[@dansmithorsomething4359]

Man, I've been downtown a lot in the last 3 years and somehow I am still alive. Weird?

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@amandad6782]

I live in the Pearl neighborhood and all these companies leaving are really bumming me out. This neighborhood used to be so nice but the decline doesn't seem to end. Our leaders need to do more to save our neighborhood! I can count a list of places that have left in the last year that I enjoyed going to and the REI is where I go for bike repair, so this is really terrible. These breakins need to stop!

[@wrobinnes]

If you don’t mind me asking, how do you vote in local elections?

[@speedwagon1337]

It's what your leaders want

[@wooden5c]

@@wrobinnes I was just going to ask the same question

[@coldfusionwaffles]

Are we at the point where there is no going back? Okay, hypothetical; if a police officer walked up to a "protester" ya know, a typical antifa rioter and just point blank shot them in cold blood execution style and then just started open firing on the rioters, in just an absolute mass slaughter... No attempt to arrest, ignoring when they gave themselves up, where not a single rioter was spared. Would you be horrified by that? Or okay with it? That's the terrifying endgame all this violence and lawlessness is leading to.

[@chuckruckus3648]

It ain’t goner stop. Not till you get new leaders though I doubt that’ll help at this point. Decades of sadness

[@Jcrpdx]

We moved here from NYC in mid 1980s. Portland was one of the most beautiful mid size cities in the US. We would go downtown with our kids to enjoy the food, shopping, arts and the parks, etc. It's very difficult for us to see this gem of a city decline so much.

[@susanfaulkner2304]

My older brother and his wife went to Portland for a vacation in1975 and they loved it so much, they moved from New Jersey to the Rose City. In '79, I graduated High School and moved there myself. The suburbs, Downtown, shops, restaurants, people, all wonderful! Met a wonderful man, married , but when he joined the Navy, we of course had to go where the next duty station waited. From 1979 to present day, what happened left us with an empty feeling for a place that was once "A Gem" of a city.

[@Jcrpdx]

@Susan Faulkner Thanks for sharing. It's crazy how bad it's getting. We actually came from the Fort Lee area in N.J.

[@Rebecca-fu5hg]

I was born and raised in Portland. We ran feral down town as kids in the 80s and 90s and were never worried about anything. I moved away 15 years ago and I am so glad I did. My sisters still live there and say it is a hell hole.

[@teresacardell9492]

These people voted this in. What did they expect?

[@Kona_Blue]

Got what you voted for!

[@MA__]

All they do is stay ignorant about the consequences of their voting, move to a new nicer place, cycle repeats

[@karlabritfeld7104]

And where do you live??

[@PNWfishingFILES]

Exactly these liberals just keep showing there insanity over and over again

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@rschier1]

@@christopherking9338 Epic failure of a comment, yours is.....

[@Islandgirl2133]

Yep. Can’t keep those huge retail lease rates, in that crime infested city. Only ones making money is the landlord.

[@rschier1]

This will now catch up with all the landlords, upon the impending exodus....

[@mostlypeacefulcitizen8006]

Malls have Anchor stores that draw in foot traffic which provides sustenance to numerous smaller stores nearby. The same applies to blocks, once the anchor store closes such as REI the death spiral begins with coffee shops and restaurants leaving due to reduced business. Portland will take decades to recover as they push out entrenched criminality and homelessness. You get what you vote for.

[@CharlieBam]

The landlord is unwilling to realize the massive lose on value of the property, and rei is refusing to pay to stay in that location at a loss. Red alert.

[@davidpulido2942]

The Good Citizens of Portland voted for this. Your Mayor and City Council If you really want change start by voting them out next election.

[@ozonethegreat6948]

Dude with the car rims in his ears is a perfect example of a Portland smooth brain.

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@rschier1]

@@christopherking9338 Epic failure of a comment, yours is.....

[@Carvin0]

The mayor, the commissioners, and their staffs have never had any experience in managing for measureable outcomes. You can see this by looking at their vitae, at descriptions of education and experience. That is why what they think that an action plan is 1. Form a committee to make a list. 2. One listed item is to commission a "study" and get a report from an academic that makes a new list. 2. Another item is to spend money to hire a manager and staff, or to hire consultants. 3. Now that you're burning through cash by paying consultants, publish how much has been spent as a metric of success. 4. When media start to ask "where's the beef", publish terse vaguely worded slightly optimistic pablum, but be unavailable for questions.

[@ahuras238]

You missed the part about forming a committee to put together the committee which will make the list.

[@charlesritter6640]

VERY well said!

[@underwaterlevelz1947]

Just do what Chicago did. Throw out Mayor Wheeler and elect another soft-on-crime Democrat. Problem solved.

[@bringyourownsnake980]

I'm following the Portland saga from the southeast coast, I think mainly to reinforce my sense of gratitude.

[@JoeOvercoat]

Right?

[@barnaclerusty]

So sad what has happened to Portland… I don’t bother visiting anymore 🥲 don't let the criminals and druggies rule the city... Good grief

[@user-ge6bv4hf7t]

the commies pay them to destroy..nothing new.. welcome to soviet america

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@rschier1]

@@christopherking9338 Epic failure of a comment, yours is.....

[@williamglenn777]

I visited Portland twice (over a decade ago) and I had a great time. Such a beautiful city! This report really bums me out.

[@teriw56]

Imagine how the folks that live there feel about it.

[@PhonyBalagna]

Every option is on the table except punishing criminals for breaking the law

[@oldguy7402]

Wheeler is master of talking without saying anything.

[@chipsun2504]

So how’s that defund the police movement working out?

[@charleshof6394]

It would appear that when the tax sources start leaving town and they see the result of inaction they wake up. This has been going on for years. It is too bad for many to tolerate the various attempts to correct the issues.

[@JoeOvercoat]

Yup. The politicians won’t grow concerned until they realize the funding for their pay is at risk.

[@munkyboyh8su]

I grew up in Portland, I could walk from one end of that city to the other as a kid and be fine. Now I just like hearing about how Portland is failing.

[@rustynails8756]

My daughter's fiance took her to a nicer hotel in Portland last year for a romantic getaway. The room was horrible and they didn't feel safe walking around. It was dirty and disgusting So sad I used to think Portland was a beautiful clean city. Wouldn't go there on a bet now.

[@lydiaboswell9789]

Portland officials need to accept the fact that they either turn the city into homeless central or a thriving safe city it used to be. We used to attend many performances and events in Portland. Not anymore because it isn't safe at all.

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@lydiaboswell9789]

Homelessness, tents, filth, drug debris, shootings, boarded windows on buildings, empty locales are all signs of Epic Vibrancy.

[@sallymiller4973]

Hell NO I won't go downtown and I even think twice before I venture into Portland's city limits! Just such a bad vibe anywhere near Portland.

[@cbunix23]

Portland last had a Republican mayor in 1980. Coincidence?

[@marduksonofea.slayeroftiam7365]

I lived downtown and moved out of that hellhole 2 years ago. Will never return to Oregon. Most screwed up place I've ever experienced....

[@beckyparker1532]

They should designate part of the 200 million for the homeless (that will attract even more homeless people from all over the country) to downtown businesses so they can hire private security.

[@hottuna2006]

REI and Walmart already had private security. They're mostly there to act as "live cameras" as they don't have the authority to physically stop shoplifters, although they can try to grab and take back what they're stealing. Easy to do with bikes and tvs, not so when they're smaller items stuffed in clothes and bags. Besides, even if they were able to detain shoplifters, (which they're not), police won't respond unless the stolen property is worth thousands of dollars. On top of that, even if the shoplifters were arrested, (which they hardly are), DAs routinely let them go with little to no penalty. People are pretty much free to shoplift without consequences.

[@thomasschoon8407]

Go right ahead! You first, you could start a Go Fund me site as good gesture..........❤

[@GKP999]

I love Portland. It is so sad to hear this. San Francisco, where I live, is also a mess. There are so many people on the streets who are homeless, mentally ill, drug dealers and drug users. There is also a lot of crime.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Yeah. Cause you vote for it. Enjoy!

[@huahin6149]

Who do you blame?

[@MA__]

​​​@@huahin6149 my dumb ass sister lives there and supported the defund the police movement. Now she bitches about having to wait in line for them to unlock chapstick for her in Walgreens. Still swallows most of the lefty BS. Oh but she voted for one Republican three years later so it's all good I guess🙄

[@GKP999]

@Mr Yuk You assume I voted for it.

[@GKP999]

@@huahin6149 Everyone! American culture and the system. We are all complicit.

[@Idaho-Idaho]

A possible suggestion: last year we visited a brewery in Honduras. As we walked in, we were asked to hand our drivers license/ID card over to the bartender where it would remain until we ate/drank and paid. Then it was returned. No ID? No problem - just remain outside and stay hungry and thirsty.

[@charlesritter6640]

That's a great idea

[@phild8095]

City and county revenue is already declining, what makes anyone think this can improve? For years many of us have chosen the small towns in the second or third ring of suburbs or further from the "major cities". We have been called racist, elitist, paranoid and worse. But as a 66 year old I walk around my small town or on the bicycle trail about 3 1/4 miles a day unmolested. There are no homeless camps, no drug dealers on the corners, no pimps and hookers, no riots, no protests, no looting. Our homes and vehicles are safe. No one is relieving themselves in the alleys, no one is passed out on the park benches. There are no needles in the gutter and very little litter. We know and watch out for our neighbors. Yesterday there were children in the park playing basketball, today in another park they were playing softball. Neither time did I witness trash talk or rude behavior. People here quietly volunteer to mow lawns, supply meals, and check in on the elderly and infirm. Kids and teens actually go to the library here in the year 2023.

[@Koop415]

Thank you Portland. It's actually entertaining watching this city descend into chaos because of the crazies you continue to elect.

[@user-ge6bv4hf7t]

all by design .. been in the works for decades

[@mariclareable]

Big Ol Canary

[@mariclareable]

like Big Bird

[@jeffjarvis222]

Kick Portland out of Oregon!

[@ekimbrough1413]

What happening Portland is occurring in a few short years, to what happened to Detroit over decades. Absolutely sad and amazing!

[@Rochelle937]

You are right. . it is all happening very fast. Many areas are starting to go downhill in the same way too, also very fast, eg Denver.

[@ekimbrough1413]

@@Rochelle937 It's happening in practically every state that legalized marijuana during President Obama's administration: to despite him and the federal government. Now, this is the result.

[@Rochelle937]

@@ekimbrough1413 That's a really good point.

[@ozonethegreat6948]

Be sure to keep voting yes on Metro measures too, really helping the city. 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnrees6290]

It's not just about elected leaders and their decisions. The voters in Oregon decriminalized hard drugs.

[@fishcreek8579]

Voooting is fake

[@roryreid3124]

Yea that was pretty fuckin stupid huh?

[@christopherking9338]

Capitalism = Epic Fail!!

[@roryreid3124]

@Christopher King COMMUNISM IS THE EPIC FAIL NOT CAPITOLISM

[@netposerx]

This video is why things will never change. They ramble on and on and never get to the cause of the problem.

[@kevinattig6689]

This is the Paradise that the world is leading us to, how beautiful it is!

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

Keep voting the same, that'll fix it.

[@dakinechips]

It's not a perception that portland is unsafe anymore. I'd be packing going down town, defense ready and in and out for what ever I needed to do.

[@MA__]

Yeah be careful with that. If you had to defend yourself the courts would use this very KZbin comment against you. Look up Michael Strickland

[@Coffee1776]

I heard the mayor also has a plan. They have a plan to begin planning so they can plan to plan on helping to plan the plan. That is, of course, if everything goes according to plan.

[@Canyon2023]

This is what Portland wanted and voted for. Congrats.

[@cecerider4414]

I will not go near Portland. I missed seeing the Chinese ballet. I will not go to Kaiser Permanente for medical care which I need, I insist they send someone to my home town of Longview instead because of the fear. If nobody hurts me or robs me they just may take my car while I am inside the office! I am beginning to feel the same about Vancouver too because your derelicts are coming over the bridge. If you don't re criminalize drugs, sweep the addicts into hospital lockup or jail, and get all of them gone..... Your city will look like Baltimore by next year. I am glad Vera Katz isn't around to see this after all her good work.

[@Dog.soldier1950]

Portland will envy Detroit

[@richardnelson3227]

Detroit now looks better than Portland. Don't try to make Portland look good!!!

[@joelpm503]

If anything, for its diversity and affordable housing

[@user-zg1wz8fh8f]

@@joelpm503 Where else can you get a house for $1?

[@searchingforlostatoms7191]

​@@NoliMeTangere1163 live in MI. Detroit is now the.....safest....downtown major city in the country

[@jasonbennett5914]

@@NoliMeTangere1163 Wow. I haven’t heard this before. I haven’t been to a Detroit in almost 30 years. It was pretty bad at that time so this is a sad commentary on PDX.

[@AccordionJoe1]

Portland is giving Detroit and Gary, IN competition to be the absolute worst city in America.

[@laskatz3626]

I live in the Seattle area and used to come to Portland for many years each September to volunteer to serve the homeless at the Downtown Chapel on Burnside. I’d walk back to my downtown hotel without fear afterwards, around 9 pm. Then something changed. Portland got dirty and scary. I’d see folks shooting up in broad daylight, young people everywhere with many dogs, a lot of filth and panhandling. I stopped coming down around 2015 and haven’t been back. I loved downtown Portland. I’m sorry for the residents.

[@ericw3229]

Wokeness tolerance and equity are great right? You come two craphole cities. Bet you voted for the ones that created them? Did you love that CHAZ zone too?

[@landonbarretto4933]

But you go back to Seattle. Oh boy.