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Business owner says downtown barricades are driving customers away; favors speed bumps instead
Summary
A downtown business owner told the Texarkana board that temporary barricades installed in recent weeks are discouraging foot and vehicle traffic and hurting local businesses; he urged the city to consider speed bumps as an alternative to permanent barriers.
A downtown business owner identified verbally by the mayor as Cody told the Texarkana Board of Directors that barricades placed downtown roughly two weeks earlier are deterring customers and hurting businesses.
"They're impeding on my business now ... People don't wanna walk a long distance," Cody said, describing how motorists and pedestrians turn away from blocked streets. He said he supports speed bumps, which he said slow problematic drivers while allowing traffic to flow.
Cody said permanent barriers were discussed about two and a half years ago but the city chose speed bumps at that time; he added that the bumps were removed prior to a Christmas parade and have not been restored. Resident David later said he agreed with Cody's criticism of barriers but not with reinstating speed bumps in all cases.
No action or motion to change traffic controls was taken during the meeting. Board members suggested staff follow up; one director said an ordinance addressing operating hours had been considered by the planning commission and that such matters could be returned to the planning body for review.
The board did not schedule a vote or ordinance at the meeting; the issue remained a citizen request for staff review.
