Portland “CHOP”, Short Lived as Police Shut Down Newest ‘Autonomous Zone”?
The City of Portland has temporarily closed Chapman Square Park and Lownsdale Square Park.
On Thursday, July 16, 2020, at about 5:00 a.m., the Portland Police Bureau assisted as the City of Portland temporarily closed Chapman Square Park and Lownsdale Square Park. Portland Police made public address announcements that the parks were closed. People were provided ten minutes to leave the park. At about 5:10 a.m. Portland Police walked through the parks to be sure everyone received the message the parks were closed and move people out of the parks to the north.
The parks will remain closed until needed repairs are made and the parks are ready to reopen for all to enjoy. The Police Bureau will assist other City bureaus to facilitate park closure and repair to lawns, bathrooms, benches and public art.
The parks are closed to the curb lines surrounding them. Pedestrians should use sidewalks across from these parks. The streets around the parks remain open to traffic.
Portland Police made some arrests. Details about the arrests will be released when they are available.
Tweets from Portland Police today:
Chapman Square Park and Lownsdale Square Park are closed to the public. Everyone must vacate to the north beyond the sidewalk or be subject to arrest for trespassing and subject to use of force. This order includes journalists. The park is closed. Everyone has 10 minutes to leave.
Everyone has left Chapman Square Park and Lownsdale Square Park. The parks remain closed until a later date. Since the blocks are closed to the sidewalk edge please use sidewalks across the street from these parks. The streets around the parks are open to traffic.
The streets around Lownsdale Square Park and Chapman Square Park are open to traffic. Those who enter the street or block traffic are subject to arrest and use of force. Please remain on sidewalks.