Two Virginia-based burger chains are interested in opening locations in Downtown Portland, but are facing opposition from city residents and officials.
Having more fast-food stores open in the Downtown area may be a mixed bag, having both benefits and downfalls. Stacy Mitchell, a Portland-based researcher, believes the city of Portland derives its strength from the independent businesses it has, and that opening larger chain-stores could jeopardize Portland's unique character. Tim Soley, the building manager of the proposed location for the burger chain, believes that the Downtown area will see more foot traffic as a result of the additions, which will boost other businesses in the area as well.
"'If Portland ends up with a mix of chains downtown like what you find at the mall, why would you go to the trouble of coming downtown?' [Mitchell] said."
FULL STORY: Food-service transitions: Chain restaurants on the way in

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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