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Main Street Wooster highlights economic impact of downtown events; student urges walkability improvements
Summary
Main Street Wooster told council its city funding covers roughly a third of its budget and that event visitors spend about $26.58 each; a College of Wooster student later urged pedestrian safety improvements on Burbank Road.
Wooster — At the Nov. 17 meeting, Sarah Hall, executive director of Main Street Wooster, told council the city’s economic development funding represents about one‑third of her organization’s budget and supports 171 events over two years, including farmers markets and Main Street Music.
Hall referenced College of Wooster research showing that visitors to the organization’s free attractions spend an average of $26.58 per visit. She asked the council to continue the city’s financial support and said her board and city staff work closely on program alignment and evaluation.
In miscellaneous public comment later in the meeting a student who identified themselves as being at the College of Wooster discussed walkability, saying downtown walking is excellent but parts of the city outside downtown — particularly Burbank Road and certain T‑intersections — feel unsafe for pedestrians because of vehicle speeds and crossing difficulty.
Council members responded by thanking Main Street Wooster and the Chamber for their partnership, noting downtown vibrancy and the value of events that draw visitors from surrounding counties. Several council members said they would consider pedestrian and traffic issues as they review corridor projects in the future.
What happens next: The finance committee will meet Dec. 1 on the budget; members and staff indicated continuing collaboration with Main Street Wooster on program evaluation and funding.
