My letter is about the hazards of sidewalk signs in Portland used to promote local businesses, i.e., restaurants, bars and particularly private parking lots.

Lots range from self-service facilities with simple gravel and mud surfaces to stand-alone parking garages, many managed by UPP. City ordinances prohibit obstruction of sidewalks: “It is unlawful for any person to obstruct or cause to be obstructed any roadway, curb or sidewalk by leaving or placing, any object, material or article which may prevent free passage over any part of such street or sidewalk area.”

Why do signs obstruct sidewalks on every block in downtown Portland? Why must pedestrians navigate too-narrow passageways on sidewalks at the entrance to every single parking lot and intersection in the busy downtown area? The signs are made with sharp metal edges and “feet” that are trip hazards. These “obstructions” are dangerous.

Motorists aren’t expected to navigate signs in the middle of the street, billboard advertising is prohibited along roadways and the city has signage ordinances. Let’s end these flagrant violations now.

By the way, UPP owns and operates private parking meters and signs on or near streetside city parking spaces immediately adjacent to UPP lots. I see visitors park on the street and mistakenly pay the UPP meter, almost daily. Is that theft of city revenue?

David Shaw
Portland