A protest is planned to fight against proposed "No Sit" zones in downtown Portland Saturday.

The protest comes after Mayor Ted Wheeler said Thursday he wants to designate eight new blocks of downtown sidewalks as Pedestrian Use Zones, a decision which has left some business owners applauding idea, and some social justice advocates critical.

Earlier this month, Columbia Sportswear CEO, Tim Boyle, wrote an opinion piece in The Oregonian threatening to move their Sorel headquarters out of downtown because of livability issues. They moved into their downtown location at SW Broadway and Taylor less than a year ago.



And in recent weeks, Mayor Wheeler and other city leaders have met multiple times with local businesses, where owners shared concerns about security for those who live, work and shop downtown. Multiple owners described threats or break-ins at their locations.



RELATED: Mayor Wheeler calling for more 'no-sit' zones in downtown Portland

There are already several Pedestrian Use Zones around downtown Portland. The designation means the sidewalks are only for pedestrians, defined as people who are walking or using a mobility device, between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

But now, Mayor Wheeler is calling for more.

The Pedestrian Use Zones the mayor is calling for surround the Columbia Store and Sorel headquarters, Galleria, and the downtown Safeway.

Portland's Resistance has organized a protest sit-in on Saturday from 12-3 pm in front of Columbia Sportswear to fight against the proposal.

On the event's Facebook page, organizers write:

"“No Sit” zones criminalize houselessness...Increased policing and criminalization is not the solution to houselessness. Ted Wheeler campaigned on solving Portland’s housing crisis and bringing accountability to Portland’s rogue police department. Two years into his term, he has abandoned his campaign promises, catering to the demands of his campaign donors. Portland’s Resistance opposes this assault on the people’s right to public spaces."

In response to the protest, Mayor Wheeler's says: “It’s irresponsible to conflate homelessness and crime. We can address safety issues with common sense enforcement. We can address homelessness with compassion. That’s our plan.”