Council leans to pedestrian‑first Main Street design, favors Option 3

Council reviewed four design options for Main Street on July 28 and signaled support for a pedestrian‑oriented plan. Matt (speaker 16), the project presenter, described alternatives that trade travel lanes and dedicated turn lanes for wider sidewalks, landscape medians and on‑street (or valet) parking options.

Option 3, the council’s preferred choice, would maintain four travel lanes without parallel parking in the most constrained area, prioritize an expanded public realm (up to 19 feet of additional frontage in some sections) and introduce raised bicycle lanes and mid‑block pedestrian crossings. "Option 3 provides the most area out in front of the shops or retailers, where they could set up tables," Matt said while explaining the tradeoffs. Several councilmembers said they favored the design’s ability to slow traffic and create a destination rather than a pass‑through corridor.

Members repeatedly raised practical questions about handicap access, valet loading and parking continuity. Staff said the design can accommodate ADA transitions via switchbacks at constrained elevations and that parking lots and back‑of‑building access (Smith/Walnut streets and shared lots) would continue to serve downtown tenants. Councilmember comments emphasized the need to preserve some disabled parking and operational flexibility for restaurants and businesses that rely on valet.

Council direction: staff should advance Option 3 into the next design phase, refine ADA/valet/parking solutions, and return with detailed site plans and traffic analysis for future formal approvals. No construction or ordinance vote occurred July 28; the presentation and council direction were recorded as guidance for design development.