Aaron Spencer//July 1, 2010//
More pedestrians are walking on downtown Portland streets compared to last year, according to .
The report includes pedestrian traffic numbers taken during three days in June at 15 intersections in downtown Portland. Numbers increased at eight of the 11 intersections counted in both June 2010 and June 2009.
The numbers are higher or lower depending on events, weather or other factors affecting pedestrian traffic during those three days. For example, the intersection of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Clay Street saw a 92 percent increase from 2009 to 2010, but 2010 numbers included foot traffic from a matinee performance of the Lion King at the nearby Keller Auditorium.
“That just shows how events in downtown attract people,” said Megan Doern, spokeswoman for Portland Business Alliance. “There is a boost, but it’s good for business.”
The report is intended to show the value of commercial real estate space in downtown. It’s funded by downtown property owners in the 213-block Business Improvement District, an area in downtown where property owners are required to pay fees for the area’s improvement. The counts are made twice a year by the Portland Business Alliance for Portland Downtown Services Inc.
Pedestrian traffic at four corners increased more than 50 percent in the past year: