We had this great victory back in December - Council voted to open up Witherspoon to pedestrians and outdoor diners.

Now is the time to protect that vision. Because the latest re-design plans are showing the same old stuff - wide car lanes and too much parking.

Ahead of the next Council meeting (on Mon. 5/24), please continue to make your voices heard. We're 1,200 supporters strong - with an ordinance already passed by Council!

Letters to Town Topics should be submitted by no later than Monday (tomorrow) at Noon. Also consider writing to Council and especially the new Mayor. Here are the key points:

• The latest designs include car lanes wide enough to convert back into two-way traffic. That's a victory for cars, not people - and it cannot stand.
• We need wider sidewalks and more outdoor dining. Let's embrace public spaces, not parking spaces - especially with so many parking garages nearby.
• This is about democracy. The Council passed a plan in December. Let's keep the design process in public view, and in the hands of Council, to avoid behind-the-scenes car creep.