PORTLAND, Ore. -- For the last four years Islam Elmasry has been running things at his food cart, Small Pharoah's, on the corner of Southwest 5th Avenue and Stark Street.
But he's worried about plans for a new building right where food carts sit.
Downtown Development Group's vision is to build 11 new buildings on parking lots in the Downtown Portland area.
A number of the parking lots that would be developed are the same lots where dozens of food carts are now set up.
"What can we do. It's their money, their business, their properties," said Elmasry.
Diners said they'd hate to see carts have to move or close.
"I love the food carts. I want them to stay. It's close to my work. It's convenient," said Portland resident Meaghann Wilson.
Some foodies said the carts are a big piece of what sets Portland apart.
"It's part of this giant food scene that Portland is known for," said Brett Burmeister, the Owner and Managing Editor of foodcartsportland.com.
Developers stress they have no intention of closing down food carts. If they begin building, they will give food cart owners the opportunity to move to one of their 30 other parking lots in the city.
Others food cart diners worry more buildings might take away from Portland's charm.
"I'd hate to see a bunch of buildings, like a concrete jungle type of thing. that wouldn't be cool it's not Portland-y," said Ashley Slaughter, a Portland resident.
She doesn't want Portland to get that 'big city' feel.
"It's not a New York or Chicago and we want to keep it that way," said Slaughter.
Some people said they're okay with the plan so long as it's thoughtful.
Construction is still years away.
In the meantime, Elmasry just hopes he doesn't have to move.
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