🌱 PBOT Project On 82nd Ave + Cracker Barrel Closes Three Stores

Good morning, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Portland Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Partly sunny and milder. High: 60 Low: 39.
• Wednesday: A stray afternoon shower. High: 60 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories in Portland today:

1. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will be making what it calls urgent "critical fixes" and safety-related improvements to Southeast 82nd Avenue, which city officials and advocates say is a dangerous stretch of road for both pedestrians and drivers. The $55 million project would add upgraded crosswalks, medians, trees, and other improvements for pedestrians and vehicles. The city is seeking public feedback for the project, which can be submitted online by clicking here. (Fox 12 Oregon)
2. Cracker Barrel closed its three restaurants in Central Oregon and the Portland area, which will leave one location left in Oregon in Medford. On Monday, the restaurant chain officially closed its Beaverton, Tualatin, and Bend locations. Of the reason behind the closures, the business released a statement that said, "We are saddened that we have been unable to overcome the impact the pandemic had on our business and have made the difficult decision to close the Beaverton, Tualatin, and Bend locations." (KATU)
3. Mayor Ted Wheeler will be holding two online discussions to seek public opinion and input regarding the shelter site on 1290 Southeast Gideo Street this week. The two webinars will take place on Tuesday, Mar. 21, and Thursday, Mar. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Those interested in participating can sign up for the webinars by clicking here. (Fox 12 Oregon)

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Today and tomorrow in Portland:

Tuesday, March 21

• Story Time With Olive & Dingo At Uplifted Boutique And Makers Market (10:30 AM)
• Zakir Hussain’s Masters Of Percussion At Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (7:30 PM)

Wednesday, March 22

• Sing, My Child At Grant High School (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Monday was the first day of spring, and Voodoo Doughnuts officially dropped its newest flavors for the season, including a special doughnut to celebrate the shop's 20th birthday. The newest flavors include a caramel macchiato doughnut and a lemon-honey-filled Bees Knees doughnut. (KOIN.com)
• Bring home a new furry family member today! Check out this roundup of adoptable and adorable pets waiting for their new forever homes in and around the Portland area at the link. (Portland Patch)
• Spring break is next week for many schools in Portland, and if you're looking for something fun to do, this list of fun spring break activities has you covered. (KOIN.com)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.