According to The Oregonian, Portland Mayor Charlie Hales has announced that the city will continue closing several streets in the Old Town Chinatown entertainment district for several hours during weekend nights after studies have shown that the closures have likely helped reduce crime.
When the city first implemented the crowd control effort three years ago, businesses in the area initially protested that the reduction of traffic would hurt their sales. The mayor reported that these businesses have, for the most part, adjusted to the change and that the city is striking a good balance between public safety and protecting local businesses.
At this time, the biggest issue appears to be the large number of vehicles being towed on weekend nights—an average of nine per evening.
In addition to the street closures, the city of Portland has set up taxi areas in an effort to curb drunk driving and ensure more people get home safely after bar time. There are also plans to re-stripe NW 3rd Ave. to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Twin Cities Public Health 