This is a hot topic among downtown people, and all I have to say is that there is a reason we have a property with a private parking lot. A lot of merchants do go out and set up their business with enough space for certain options. Sprizzo has its outdoor garden, Magellan has M2, Nice Ash expanded to next door.
I can see outdoor dining is one thing to find that balance of public safety and creating an unique atmosphere for downtown. BUT closing down some streets including a part of Main every Friday night? What do you do with Clarke Hotel guest check in? What do you do with business on the West End?
I do support the LePien Option of giving up street parking instead of street closing. OR set up in a park, riverwalk parking lot, a side street,or even negotiate to use a private parking lot (hint...Main and Clinton, Avalon, Ace, Discount, formerly Walgreen site).
LePien had a great idea. Just eliminate parking and put up some temporary barriers to seperate pedestrians from traffic. I could actually see even closing off Broadway from Main to Gaspar since its not a main thoroughfare but any closure of Main Street is unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteAlso, why does the West End get screwed on the Friday Night Lives? Seems like a stage down at your end of the world would be a nice way to draw people down there.
What we understand is the side venues do not draw as well other than right at 5 point. We decided to sit this year out to see what happens across street. We also have to be mindful because we are so close to residential.
ReplyDeleteIt seems unjust that certain businesses are subject to unfavorable street closings by fiat, and others are not. There is real potential for someone to accuse the powers-that-be of cronyism, here. According to the late Alan King, "You don't have to be in Who's Who to know what's what."
ReplyDeleteYour point about the Clarke is important - how in the world do you run a hotel without a place for people to pull up and park while they're checking in? Are they supposed to tell people "be careful when you arrive because the Main Street of our city closes every Friday in summer." What? I have just gotten my friends from Milwaukee to start driving out here for the great new restaurants. This will definitely make people mock Waukesha's confusing streets again.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, busy day for me but I am sure I will hear all about how the test street closing goes. I hope there will be detour signs and people directing traffic.
ReplyDeleteI would support a closing of Main between Barstow and Clinton streets, which seems to be the densest area with the most activity on Friday nights. The busisness's on far west Main seem to be spread out enough and have ample parking to be left open as a through street to Clinton.
ReplyDeleteI think closing a few of the busiest blocks downtown would be a good test to see if it actually increases pedestrian & bike visitors as people get more comfortable. Also, the ample city parking lots surrounding downtown should be highlighted so people know they can park within a couple blocks of where ever they want to get to.
Ultimately the downtown business owners should have the say on what works best for them. I think certain parts of Main could be closed on a trial basis with different options tried out.
Just my opinion, great topic, Kool.
I do think that should also be an option on the table, now as the Ronsta Option. That is to make Barstow to Clinton and all the five points a walk/bike zone on Fridays. Like Fremont St in Vegas which I can see.
ReplyDeleteThat would still not be fair to Clarke Hotel though.
What do you think would happen if they tried this in the Third Ward? How would the stores, bars and residents respond?
ReplyDeleteI don't know if Clarke would be affected too much. There's parking along the River front and leaving W. Broadway (N. of Main) open for parking might be an option. It's up to them to say since I know they have a valet service too.
ReplyDeleteMissing out this weekend but interesting to see how this goes..