Stay Off The Medians (For Now)

Portland's ban on standing or sitting or loitering in any way on any of the median strips in the city goes into effect today. If you stand in a median strip holding a political sign (even one opposing the median strip ban), you will be breaking the law. Also, if you stop to smell the flowers on the median strip on Congress Street in front of City Hall. There is a lovely bench on the grassy median strip on Fore Street near the Custom House that was, according to a small plaque, placed there in memory of Gene and Madelyn Cohen. Sit on this bench at your own risk, as you will be breaking the law.  WMTW did a nice story on the ban last evening, which included footage of some of these places. The interview with me took place on the Franklin Arterial median strip near Middle Street.