Let's Get our Main Street Back

I have been knocking on a lot of doors and gaining a lot of insight from our residents. One topic that has been addressed with me repeatedly is the downtown barriers. There have been quite a few concerns raised about keeping these barriers in place. 

The barriers have served their purpose during our pandemic. Now, it is time to open up Main Street and employ other methods for restaurants to expand seating. Businesses that are not food based have lost income opportunities with the lack of parking. It is important to consider all the neighbors within a City block and work together to be sure every business is operating at their full potential. There are neighborly solutions to expand seating without the use of barriers.

Main Street is a critical throughfare in our City with one hospital located just off it. I am hearing loud and clear the concerns of citizens and that opening the lanes on Main Street will bring more people back to downtown. 

As I was driving downtown this evening around 6 on a beautiful evening, very few people were accessing the outside dining. It will be nice to have 2 lanes both North and South open again.

I appreciate all your input.

Laurie