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Downtown Portland businesses prepare for the worst ahead of election results: 'Being proactive with the boards'

One business tells KGW the cost for them to replace three window panes is $15,000. So, they chose to prepare for the worst.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Dozens of downtown Portland businesses have decided to board up their windows ahead of potential unrest after election results. 

"It's sad. It's really sad that people have to board up their property again because they don't know what's going to explode," said Betty Gonzales, who has lived in downtown Portland for nearly two decades. "We shouldn't have to go through this all over again."  

Several businesses off Salmon Street chose to board up last week — like Bee Taylors and Cleaners.

"The boards I believe went up last Thursday," said the owner of Bee Taylors and Cleaners, Jay Bleich. "We got a call from the landlord on Tuesday asking if we wanted to board up, and that the rest of the building was going to be boarded up. So, we agreed to that."

While Bleich says he is happy the boards are up in preparation for any unexpected, violent demonstrations — he's conflicted about them being up at all. 

"It's just the messaging that bothers me a little bit," he said. "I would like to be in a downtown where you don't have to worry about putting boards up." 

He knows a thing or two about the hefty cost of replacing windows of this size — his establishment has been broken into four to five times since the start of the pandemic. 

"So, it's a huge expense and one that we really can't afford going forward. So, being proactive with the boards is totally fine," said Bleich. 

KGW also spoke with another construction crew who was helping board up the former Trek Bicycles location off of Salmon Street. One of the workers shared he lives and grew up in Portland. KGW asked one of the workers Dimas True if he was surprised businesses are boarding up their windows again.

"No, not now," said True. "Not after a few presidents. This is all common — I expected it. I live in Southeast where it's not so bad. I wouldn't want to be down here. I will be gone as soon as this is boarded up."

Larger corporations such as Wells Fargo, also prepared by placing a fence around their Tower location on Southwest 5th Avenue. 

Some businesses have also given their workers the option to work from home for the next week. But to some people like Tammie Johnson who works in Downtown Portland, said this is not something she will be doing. 

"I'm not afraid. I'm not paranoid," said Johnson. "I was here every day during the protesting and it didn't bother me because it's all elsewhere. It's not here, but I get it — people have to feel safe." 

Many if not all business KGW spoke with said they will continue with their normal hours. You can check the social platforms for downtown businesses or call them directly if you have any questions regarding business hour. 

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