PORTLAND, Ore., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Prosper Portland (Portland Development Commission) has approved a plan to clear the 725 SW 10th Parking Structure of all five current business tenants, including Peterson's Convenience Store, to renovate the retail level store areas.

This move will cost over $25,000,000 without fixing the major seismic issues of the almost 40-year-old building. This plan vacates the building for a year, although the parking and MAX stops will remain open to the public.

Peterson's will lose a location it has had for over 32 years, which employs much of Peterson's 28 staff members. Peterson's trained staff currently help many tourists every day and night, often being the only retailer open during late hours to offer items hotel guests need.

Much like Powell's Books and Voodoo Doughnuts, Peterson's is a staple in the Downtown Portland community. Peterson's serves over 900 customers daily, and will be one of the first MAX stop locations to offer the upgraded HOP FastPass card when TRIMET ends cash ticket buying.

Doug Peterson said, "Don't let the name fool you; Prosper Portland is out to gentrify Portland with taxpayer dollars. They have many new, better locations for the new Downtown business plan, but have attacked my store first. Please contact the Mayor as soon as possible to ask to save Peterson's. I may survive, but my staff will be gravely damaged. This is not the way to build Portland."

Although the city claims to have a fair tenanting plan, Resolution 7240 adopted on June 14 of this year by Prosper Portland put forth criteria designed to exclude Peterson's SW 10th and Morrison store and as of January 14th, 2018 they will be evicted. Peterson's could stay open during and after construction, but the current plan was designed for a permanent eviction.

Peterson's employees and owner Doug Peterson testified before Portland City Council on June 21st, protesting Prosper Portland (formerly Portland Development Commission) and their use of taxpayer funds for the gentrification of Downtown Portland, which will force the permanent closure of Peterson's Morrison Store.

Peterson's calls for Portland constituents to contact Mayor Wheeler to petition against the removal of the current business tenants of the 725 SW 10th Parking Structure by emailing [email protected] or calling 503-823-4120.

For more information visit SavePetersons.com or contact Doug Peterson at 503-227-0567 or [email protected].

SOURCE Peterson's Convenience Store