Strong feelings run both ways on Main Street's traffic

Some say it resembles a drag race and others say it has slowed traffic down to a pleasant urban bustle. When the subject is Main Street traffic and the opinions are those of downtown merchants, strong sentiments cut both ways.

"Traffic has gotten very chaotic. You take your life in your hands crossing the street down here. Generally our customers do not like it, and we have advised them to direct their complaints to city hall," said Judith Ann Lang of Lang Jewelers at 126 N. Main St.

But another shop owner just down the street has had a far different experience.

"It has stopped the drag racing on Main Street, it has increased the traffic flow and slowed it down because it's diverted the traffic from Water Street and Spanish Street. I think people are just finding it a lot easier to get around now, and I think it's been good for business," said Barry Robinson of Cup 'N' Cork at 46 N. Main St.

Business is up

On March 27, the city put into place the recommendations of a traffic consultant and opened Main Street to northbound traffic for the first time in 50 years. Supporters hoped the changeover would make it easier for visitors to find their way around town and slow traffic to a pace more in keeping with a historic business district.

It's early, but some already see evidence that it's doing just that.

"I can say that business is up. It has definitely increased compared to this time last year," said Sherry Yaeger of the gift and home accessories shop, Renaissance, at 139 N. Main St.

"We're extremely happy with the changeover. People who come in from St. Louis and Kansas City tell us that it's just much easier to get around and they think it's much easier to find places. It's slowed down the traffic and I think this is the kind of change that gives even people who have lived here their whole lives a new perspective on the downtown."

But those who were dead set against it continue to be so. Deb Maevers, owner of Pastimes Antiques, was one of 19 downtown merchants who opposed the change when it was first proposed in December.

Business is down

"It has not helped business at all. Our sales our down compared to this time last year," she said. "Ninety percent of the merchants were against it, and I don't think that has changed. We did a customer survey, and none of our customers felt like it was a good move. Most people said it was hard enough to find a parking spot when you had both sides of the street to choose from. Now, if you see a spot on the other side, you have to loop all the way back around to get to it. ... We've been in business for three years and this spring has been the slowest we've had so far."

But one merchant has crossed over from the "no" camp.

"I originally signed the petition, but the more I thought about it I thought, 'Hey, let's give a try,'" said Sean Wibbenmeyer, owner of Hempies at 111 N. Main St. "Most of the people down here were against it because they felt it was railroaded through. People felt upset because they didn't have any control over it. But now that it's over, you kind of think, 'what was the big deal all about?' I think people are slowing down and there is a little more traffic. It's worked out pretty well."

One thing most owners are still anxious about is the use of the four 24-hour loading zones. Merchants have observed that delivery truck drivers are sticking to their old habits and double parking in front of the businesses instead of using the zones.

Signs of change

Others point out that the no-left-turn signs around the clock at Themis Street are frequently unheeded and in fact motorists are using the clock as a roundabout to make U-turns.

"The signs are a joke. People do what they want," Robinson said.

But Steven Hoffman of Old Town Cape said the growing pains have been worth it. He even sees signs that the traffic has sparked growth in the southernmost block of downtown Main Street.

"People are turning left at the clock, but the clock is still there. And the clock hasn't been taken out, so that's a success," he said. "In terms of looking at that second block of Main, we have the new 'Bistro 1' going in and the old Montgomery Ward building redoing the facade. Now is that because of two-way traffic? Who knows? But any predictions that two-way would hurt downtown seem to have been proven wrong."

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245