Not only is the downtown area getting a much needed face lift in the bus mall . . . apparently, it’s a lot safer these days. The Downtown Business Improvement District says crime is DOWN 20% since the same time last year making it the SAFEST neighborhood in the Portland metro area. Officials credit a collaborative effort by the Portland Alliance and the Police. Back in 2005, the Clean and Safe security program (from the Portland Alliance) had it’s funding bumped UP by 30% in an effort to clean up downtown, China Town and Old Town. Looks like it’s working.
