Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:17 AM
KGW-TV News
Updated today at 8:20 AM
Jantzen Beach “Lottery Row” Remains in Trouble
PORTLAND -- The deadline has come and gone on a month-long security blitz for an area known as "Lottery Row," a strip of businesses on Jantzen Beach.
For years, neighbors and police have complained about these businesses that make their money on Oregon video lottery games.
On Tuesday night, the head of the OLCC, the Lottery Commission, and Portland police held a meeting to update neighbors and business owners about the security progress.
The answer: Police said it was working but these businesses remain in serious trouble.
First it was 20 days, then a deadline extension to 30. Now it's been two months of an all-out security blitz, which includes nightly patrols by hired security and a drug-sniffing dog.
In the first two days they said they caught two drug deals. Now things have started to taper off, with about a dozen total.
"There's criminal activity. It is meth, it is heroin, it's marijuana and it's a safe place for them to come," said Portland Police Department North Precinct Commander Mike Leloff.
Leloff spearheaded the blitz idea, tired of seeing crime grow in just one area.
"You can't go away from this blitz and just expect it to take hold. You're going to have to have some long-term solutions," he said.
And that's where Tuesday's meeting came in.
Police say they've ticketed all 12 businesses for drugs and one has been forced to shut down.
Frustrated neighbors hope Lottery Row's luck runs out.
"I don't care how you slice it, they have been socially irresponsible to place these businesses on top of each other," said one neighbor.
Those at the meeting heard the Lottery Commission demand the number of businesses drop from 12 to six by 2015, saying they fear the area is still too dangerous.
Owners said the extra patrols are costing them $30,000 a month, but they'll pay it to stay in business.
"We have made a lot of progress and we're working with the precinct, and we're going to continue that coverage until we think its time to back it down," said business owner Dan Fischer.
Police said the area encompassing the 12 businesses now makes up 40 percent of the island's crime.
The OLCC added that all the businesses' liquor applications are up for renewal in April and that the city has sent a negative endorsement.
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales has been quoted saying he hopes that "Lottery Row is condemned soon."