Dear Editor:
I read with great interest the article about Main Street vacancies. Allow me to add my thoughts to the issue.
The No. 1 problem with Main Street is NOT the economy, but the fact that you must take your life in your own hands to shop there.
The traffic along the street is generally much faster than the 25 mph limit, which makes getting in and out of your car a real test of will. Don’t even get me started on trying to cross the street!
Also, who has time to even look around at what businesses are on the street as one drives by? Personally, I’m too worried about people trying to parallel park and jay-walk to let my eyes wander over to gaze at store-fronts.
There is a solution to this mess, however, and it will rejuvenate Main Street like you won’t believe.
First, complete the long anticipated Highway 25 bypass. This will take a tremendous amount of the through-traffic off of this street, making it easier to park and walk around.
Second, remove one lane from each direction and construct angled parking spaces which further aid in making it easier to get in and out of one’s car, as well as adding tons more street parking.
Third, remove the stoplight at Fifth Street and make it a stop sign.
Lastly, reduce the speed limit to 15 mph. This will further discourage folks from using the street as a thoroughfare to and from Highway 25, and make crossing the street even safer.
Until such steps are taken, my shopping along Main Street will, unfortunately, continue to be limited, and I’m sure I’m not alone in my feelings.
Blaming the economy is a cop-out. The businesses along Main Street are some of the finest around. Make it easier and safer for shoppers to do business there and you’ll quickly realize the local economy isn’t half as bad as you think it is!
John Rinck
Hollister
