Portland Residents Outraged Over “Scented Parking Meters”

Portland Residents Outraged Over “Scented Parking Meters”Portland Residents Outraged Over “Scented Parking Meters” Portland, Oregon, is in an uproar over the city’s latest attempt to beautify its downtown: scented parking meters. Last week, the city installed 50 “Lavender Luxe” parking meters in the popular Pearl District shopping and entertainment area. The meters emit a faint lavender scent when activated. The idea behind the meters is to create a more pleasant experience for people using downtown parking. However, many residents are outraged, calling the meters a waste of money and a potential health hazard. “This is just another example of the city wasting our tax dollars,” said one resident, Sarah Johnson. “We have real problems to solve, like homelessness and crime. Why are we spending money on scented parking meters?” Others are concerned about the health effects of the meters. “I have asthma, and the lavender scent is making it hard to breathe,” said another resident, David Smith. “I’m worried about what other health problems these meters could cause.” The city has defended the meters, saying that they are safe and that the scent is meant to be subtle. “We understand that some people may not like the scent, but we believe that the majority of people will appreciate it,” said a spokesperson for the Portland Bureau of Transportation. However, a recent survey conducted by a local news station found that 75% of Portland residents oppose the scented parking meters. The city is now considering removing the meters. “We’re listening to the concerns of our residents,” said the spokesperson. “We’re going to re-evaluate the program and make a decision about whether or not to keep the meters in place.” In the meantime, the scented parking meters have become a source of controversy and ridicule. One resident has even created a petition to have them removed, which has garnered over 1,000 signatures. “These meters are a joke,” said another resident, Emily Carter. “They’re a waste of money, they’re bad for our health, and they’re making Portland look like a laughingstock.”