For Immediate Release
Brooklyn Business Association Expresses Concern Over Proposed People’s Depot Relocation
PORTLAND, OR—The Brooklyn Business Association (BBA) is writing to express our sincere concerns regarding the proposed relocation of The People’s Depot (TPD) to SE Brooklyn Street. While we fully support TPD’s mission, we believe this specific location presents significant safety and economic risks to the community we serve.
Safety Concerns for All
Our primary concern is for the safety of both the canner community and our residents. The proposed site is located near a busy highway, SE Powell Blvd/Hwy 26, and active Union Pacific and MAX train tracks. A recent tragic death on these tracks highlights the dangers of this area. The lack of safe crosswalks and difficult-to-navigate streets poses a serious threat to anyone on foot or using a bicycle, cart, or wheelchair.
Additionally, this new location could worsen existing issues near the Clinton Triangle Alternative Shelter Site. We are concerned that moving a large-scale bottle redemption service here will attract an increase in drug dealing and crime. This would be a setback for our community, which has worked diligently to manage these challenges. We are also concerned about the vulnerability of Cleveland High School students who utilize nearby bus stops, the security of nearby businesses already vulnerable to theft and vandalism, and the safety of residents from Portland and surrounding areas attending events at the Aladdin Theater.
Impact on Businesses and Community
The BBA is concerned about the potential impact on our small businesses. This relocation could lead to increased loitering and illegal activities, which would likely deter customers, hurt sales, and negatively affect real estate values. We believe that concentrating a high volume of canners from a large surrounding area in a single, already-challenged location is a mistake.
We respectfully urge city officials, Ground Score, the OBRC, and the OLCC to work with us to find a safer, more suitable location for The People’s Depot. We are committed to finding a solution that supports both the canner community and the health of our neighborhood.
– Brooklyn Business Association Board
If you are a Brooklyn Business or a Brooklyn resident and would like to engage this issue further, please consider attending a community meeting hosted by the Brooklyn Action Corp (neighborhood association).
October 7th, 7pm – Sacred Heart Fellowship Hall
3850 SE 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97202