Doug Peterson appeared in front of the Gang of Five (aka city council) this morning, once again appealing the eviction of his Morrison store.

Things have changed at the Morrison store. Recent visits to the site have been uneventful. He has hired overnight armed security. The platform is always bustling, though it is slower than usual thanks to the Steel Bridge closure. Signs point to security cameras; you can go inside and watch yourself on TV! (And even have it broadcast on Newschannel 8 if you misbehave enough…) But please don’t misbehave. Mr. Peterson is having a tough enough time.

He pointed out this morning that thanks to construction disruptions, neighbors Bush Garden and The Real Mother Goose are getting free rent for a year. (Yet his business, which is successful by all accounts, is being shuttered. ???) He has requested the same treatment, and has offered to put what would have been rent money into more personnel and security measures for his stores. The kicker? He will donate 30% of that rent money to the Oregon Food Bank. He’s challenged Bush Garden and TRMG to do the same.

Perhaps the most tell-tale action this morning? Mayor-elect Sam Adams was not present for the testimony of Mr. Peterson and his employees, taking his place immediately after the last speaker. As soon as he took his seat, they made a proclamation regarding the Portland Development Commission, thanking them for 50 years of community service. Hmm… Why does he hate Peterson’s? I guess 23 years in the community doesn’t count for much.

Kudos to Dan Saltzman for asking pointed questions and having an open mind. All Mr. Peterson wants is the opportunity to continue operating his successful business, and be there when the building is remodeled. He has the backing of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, and a huge outpouring of community support.

Give the man a break already…