The crazy quilt of blocked streets and sidewalks on Portland’s peninsula equals lost time, added aggravation and excess air pollution for residents and visitors.

How much do private developers pay the city for this harm? Not much.

When a Portland resident reserves a couple of parking spots for a truck delivery, the city charges $65 a day. When a developer detours pedestrians off a block-long length of sidewalk: $27.50. When a developer shuts down all the travel lanes and parking spaces on a city block: $300.

It’s time for the city to reduce the use of public thoroughfares as private construction zones and, when it’s absolutely necessary, to assess higher fees that reflect the true costs of pushing us off our streets and sidewalks.

S. Mark McCain
Portland