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Board restricts alley beside Civic Theater to pedestrians only ahead of theater opening
Summary
The Martinsville Board of Works and Safety approved closing vehicle access to the alley adjacent to the Civic Theater, to be accomplished with bollards or large planters; staff said east‑west alley access behind the theater will remain open.
The Martinsville Board of Works and Safety voted June 23 to restrict vehicle access to the alley adjacent to the newly restored Civic Theater, limiting that passageway to pedestrians. Staff said the restriction will be implemented by placing bollards or concrete planters on each end to prevent vehicles from driving down the alley.
Officials said the alley is narrow, and with the theater’s opening they expect increased foot traffic around the site. Staff described adding catenary lighting across the alley, placing bollards at the ends and near a step at the north end that staff described as a safety hazard. They clarified the east‑west alley behind the block will remain open to vehicular traffic; only the short alley directly beside the theater will be restricted to pedestrians.
Board members moved and seconded a motion to restrict the alley; the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff said the lighting will be reinstalled after construction and emergency exits from the theater will still open onto the alley for safety.
