Old Town Voices Concerns: Portland Unsafe, Collapsing

Old Town voices concerns: ‘Portland unsafe, collapsing’

Old Town Portland is facing a crisis, marked by garbage, vandalism, and a recent surge in violent crimes, including shootings and assaults. Jessie Burke, chair of the Old Town Community Association and owner of The Society Hotel, highlights the neighborhood’s deteriorating safety. Incidents such as a hotel guest being attacked with a nail file and a family threatened by a woman wielding a machete underscore the urgency of the situation. The community’s concerns were voiced in a recent association meeting, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address the spike in gun violence and the ongoing challenges of homelessness and mental illness.