It was just over a month ago that Adidas announced plans to expand its North Portland campus by 200,000 square feet, but before the construction gets underway, local residents are voicing their displeasure.
Portland Business Journal reports that a group of 28 nearby neighbors have united to oppose the buildout, claiming that they've been excluding from the planning process and first learned of the expansion after the news hit media outlets.
Those who are against the construction argue that it conflicts with a master plan from Adidas' first expansion in 2000, in which the brand suggested it would integrate with the neighborhood and make an effort to preserve the existing "light, air and the potential for privacy."
Neighbors argue that the update, which includes a five-story building, would in fact do the opposite by obstructing views and sunlight and eliminating privacy.
"It's unusual because you've got a large corporation that's in the middle of a really residential neighborhood...They're building a village for themselves but nothing for the neighbors," said Ben Bryant, who lives across the street from Adidas.
A public hearing on the expansion took place yesterday afternoon, although a decision has not yet been finalized.
