During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the growing delivery challenges faced by downtown Kent and the impending influx of restaurants in historic downtown Canton. With three restaurants currently operating in Kent, Going Coastal alone receives between 15 to 20 deliveries weekly, utilizing various vehicles from box trucks to semi-trucks. As the number of restaurants in Canton is set to increase to twelve, concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current delivery infrastructure.

Participants highlighted that the existing one-way street and limited delivery area could lead to significant logistical issues. The delivery drivers, who typically do not have the flexibility to alter their drop-off locations, may face difficulties navigating the current setup. This could result in a decrease in delivery services, which would adversely affect local businesses.

To address these challenges, suggestions were made to create additional flex zones for deliveries, particularly in front of key locations such as the old post office and Synovus Bank. These zones would need to be sufficiently large to accommodate the expected volume of deliveries, ensuring that businesses can continue to operate smoothly as the downtown area evolves.

The discussion underscored the importance of timely and effective solutions as the city prepares for the upcoming changes in its commercial landscape.