The curb bump out at the corner of Portland and King is one of the original curb bump outs. The Portland St. bump outs were installed long before they became so fashionable with HRM. The idea is that they provide a closer access to the other side of the street for pedestrians and in some odd way protect parked from cars turning right.
The reality is, it is dangerous for right turns as cars have to cross into oncoming traffic to clear the curb and there is no room for a cyclist and two cars to pass safely. No parking a certain distance from the intersection addresses the issue of right turning vehicles and parked cars at other intersections. As the density increases in the confined downtown area, intersections like this will become increasingly problematic. (Link 1)
Link 2 shows the bump out on the east side of the intersection and the unkept landscaping associated with it.
Ref. Google Maps
Link 1 - Portland & King
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.6655...7i16384!8i8192
Link 2 - Portland & King East
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.6657...7i16384!8i8192