Mayor Wheeler announces increased community safety measures in Old Town Entertainment District

News Article
A map of the closure in the Entertainment District
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Mayor Wheeler announced increased community safety measures for the Old Town Entertainment District during a press conference on September 20, 2022. 

Mayor Wheeler announced that the Portland Police Bureau will have the authority to close streets between NW 1st Avenue and NW 5th Avenue and West Burnside to NW Everett to vehicular traffic on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

This will provide a safer walking environment for patrons with more room to spread out and encourage more visitors to travel by transit. It also creates a safer working environment for business owners and employees in the neighborhood. 

This will also allow the Portland Police Bureau and public safety partners to better focus their resources in Old Town and respond more quickly to crimes and violence as it occurs. 

The Portland Police Bureau will also dedicate a small group of officers to be present in the Entertainment District during these closures to patrol the area. The City will also provide physical safety enhancements such as improved lighting. 

You can find a copy of the Mayor's prepared remarks below: