The Boston Market, for years a nexus for chronic drug dealers, users, and drinkers, has closed. Not long ago, Doug Bean and Associates took over management of the property, tried to enlist neighbors in a block watch program, and change the Cascade Square’s bad reputation. The block watch never formed and vacant storefronts lingered unleased. Now the main attactor of the cadre of addicts has closed. The market, which apparently was a powerful draw due to sales of fortified wine and malt liquor, brought other issues such as dealing in and use of hard drugs on the street. This in turn led to trespassing and public urination etc.

Despite the location’s immediate proximity to the Portland Police Precinct building two blocks away, the lack of violent crime made it nearly impossible to bring charges that would lead to jail time. The city’s drug free zones, which were struck down as unconstitutional, took away yet another tool that police were able to use to address these types of issues. In light of this, the police tried to move people along when complaints were received rather than make arrests. The perpetrators, driven by alcoholism and drug addiction were unlikely to be deterred by police action or attention. One neighbor who has persistently reported criminal activity was the target of death threats after becoming a witness in a prosecution of an alleged heroin dealer. The witness was never called to trial nor given any information on the resolution of the case.

It may be that the gentrification sweeping the neighborhood has finally led to a critical mass of people in the neighborhood who will contact police when they see something going on in their neighborhood. The most recent owner of the market was reportedly put on notice by the OLCC after she continued the practice of selling alchohol to intoxicated street drinkers. The reason for the store’s closing is unclear but the owner is moving her business to Vancouver, where she lives. The strip mall is now under new ownership and management.