What Old Town Needs, Instead of Sweeps
Conversations about crime or homeless encampments often focus on one symbolic neighborhood: Old Town. The district has a long history as Portland's official Chinatown, but because of historic city neglect, rising crime, and rising rents, many businesses have been forced to relocate. Plus, since the pandemic, this struggling district has seen a lot more people living on the streets. Today we’re talking with Scott Kerman, Executive Director of Blanchet House. He has a ground-level view of what’s working and what isn’t in the neighborhood.
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