Several municipalities large and small are looking at closing some streets to traffic in order to allow for broader pedestrian space, more physical distancing abilities when walking, etc.

What about opening Front Street and perhaps Main for pedestrian use, even if it is just for specific days when we can expect more people about. With Mitchell Park our most centrally available outdoor space, added buffers around that area may be especially helpful. And before the parking discussion starts- one could say that fewer spaces mean fewer people.

The Governor said something strong yesterday about businesses needing to REIMAGINE, to take this opportunity not to reopen, but to open better. This needs to be true about our Villages, Towns, etc. All entities can use this time to do a little R&D, to discover some new approaches.

We have railed on parking so long, but perhaps we can look at not trying to fit as many cars/people as possible into a small space.

What if we did the opposite?

Proposed:

• Friday evenings from 5pm to one hour after sunset
• Saturdays and Sundays from 9a-one hour after sunset.
• All federal holidays

https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/strategic-design-can-help-car-free-streets-gain-popularity-post-coronavirus/574913/