PORTLAND -- No more playing dodge 'em with orange cones and barriers. No more blocked parking spots.
Starting Friday, November 20th, through January 1st ,consider Portland a construction free zone, at least for the holidays.
The city is working to get people to rediscover downtown for the holidays.
It means construction supervisor Keith Warlick must be done with his work by Friday night.
"Basically any kind of construction, fencing,the sidewalks have got to be clear," he said.
Any space for parking is welcomed for downtown business. Kathleen's of Dublin has had a construction crew on her street for the past month. "It will be easier shopping and walking and enjoying restaurants and theaters. It's going to be great," said owner, Cynthia McBurney.
For the past 16 years, the city has put a halt to construction during the holidays. This year has been relatively light, but everyone can remember last year and the years before. It was gridlock downtown. While it's been an inconvenience, It's also meant a makeover of the city's core.
Mayor Sam Adams is proud of what the city has accomplished in the past few years.
"There's been over $600 million-worth of new light rail, new sidewalks. There's been private sector development with new restaurants, hotels, and new shops," he said.
This season, 200 additional parking spots will also be available. This means a total of 20,000 spaces which will include the five Smart Parks around the city.
"Park between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. you get to park all day for free," said Chris Finks, Executive Director of the Downtown Marketing Initiative.
In addition, many retailer will validate parking with a purchase if you Smart Park.
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