In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed a significant street rehabilitation project aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility along Main Street, particularly between Bennett and South Church. The proposed changes include the removal of the easterly crosswalk from the Mill Street pedestrian plaza, a decision that has sparked considerable debate among council members and local business owners.

City staff, along with consulting engineers from Coastline Engineering, recommended consolidating pedestrian crossings to a single location. This approach is intended to reduce conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians, thereby improving safety. The plan also includes re-striping parking and curb areas to clearly define parking and loading zones, which is expected to increase parking availability from 36 to 46 spaces, with a portion designated as compact.

While the proposal aims to streamline traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety, it has faced pushback from local business owners who argue that eliminating the crosswalk could deter foot traffic and negatively impact their businesses. Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support and concern, with several residents advocating for the retention of both crosswalks to maintain pedestrian access and safety.

The council is considering a trial period in September to test the effectiveness of the proposed changes, including the implementation of flashing beacons and enhanced signage to alert drivers to pedestrian crossings. However, some council members expressed the need for further evaluation of pedestrian traffic patterns and safety before finalizing the design.

As the city moves forward with the project, officials are committed to gathering feedback from the community and making adjustments as necessary. The goal is to balance the needs of pedestrians with the operational efficiency of Main Street, ensuring a safe and accessible environment for all users. The council plans to finalize the design and move towards bidding in the coming months, with construction anticipated to begin early next year to avoid disruptions during the holiday season.