Traffic damages downtown efforts

To the editor:

I am writing with respect to factors to be considered for the Portland Downtown Economic Development Plan.

Noted as key issues were walkability and bikeability. Also noted was the plan’s vision statement, which included references to “sense of charm,” “activated streets” and “providing opportunities to support a diversifying population, thriving businesses, forward thinkers and visionary leaders.”

I applaud all of these goals/attributes. I think they are great.

Might I ask, have you walked downtown Portland, especially on Meridian Street? If so, then you should have noticed the heavy semi-truck traffic. This traffic is extremely loud, fast-moving and a hazard to foot and bicycle traffic. The noise factor makes it impossible to hear — I know as I used to visit a friend who had a shop a block off of Meridian and when we would sit outside it was not only impossible to hear each other, but the noise level was deafening. When you walk along Meridian, the sound reverberating off the buildings from the 18 wheelers is even louder, plus seeing wheels roll by at head level can be intimidating and threatening.

I once read a quote: “If you know the truth, speak it.”

The truth is, with these large trucks driving through downtown, regardless of how much money is spent, there can be no “sense of charm, activated streets, thriving businesses, forward thinkers and visionary leaders.” Visionary leaders will not be able to have a conversation, share their thoughts at a nice outside coffee shop/cafe; forward thinkers will not be able to think; people will not care to walk to/park,  thus affecting downtown businesses and finally as to sense of charm — we are talking about vibe baby — you want to be there, hang out, relax and there ain’t no positive vibe possibilities with heavy trucks screaming by!

As to walkability and bikeability, well, it’s not going to happen. For those that enjoy/have such a passion, they are not going to be the least bit interested in pursuing such an endeavor in the midst of the sound and potential life-threatening capability of heavy truck traffic. 

In closing, if you really want to give downtown Portland a chance, be a place people love to be, downtown businesses to thrive, just create a place that has a positive vibe. The first thing that has to happen is get rid of the downtown heavy truck traffic. Do that and downtown Portland has a damned good chance to thrive. It has great amenities in place — Arts Place, John Jay Center for Learning, Jay Community Center, a great library and, most importantly, a lot of good, decent folks. 

All the best and respectfully yours,

Kenny Bantz

Portland