Easton alley plan bugs neighbors
First pedestrian path proposal draws criticism
Easton residents and business owners sent a first plan to improve South Sitgreaves Street back to the drawing board during a meeting Tuesday in the City Council Chambers.
A group of Easton business owners has been working with the Easton Main Street Initiative to clean the alley behind Centre Square and convert it to a pedestrian-only thoroughfare between Northampton Street and Pine Street where it connects with Lehns Court.
However, for many residents and business owners in the area, the group’s initial plan was fit for one of the garbage bins sullying South Sitgreaves.
The group wanted to block off Pine Street, and decorate the alley with murals and a string of lights.
Additionally, it wanted a corral built along the alley where business owners could place larger garbage bins and have a single private hauler collect the garbage for all the businesses along the alley.
Greg Schuyler, owner of Pearly Baker’s Alehouse in Centre Square, said these changes would disrupt the bars and restaurants in the area.
“We use the alleyway — that’s the back of the house. I can’t imagine not having access to that part of the restaurant,” he said.
He said the street does need to be improved, and commended the idea for better lighting, but said taking away vehicle access would make it difficult for businesses to unload delivery trucks, among other complications.
“I certainly don’t want Pine Street shut down. How are we going to get simple services?” he said. “Is everyday going to be like a festival here?”
Many residents said they wanted to have input as the local business owners continue looking for a solution.
“I’ve lived here a long time, and this is the first time of hearing this plan. I know of a lot of residents who were not invited or included,” city resident Laini Abraham said.
Mike Brett, the design committee chairman for Easton Main Street Initiative, reminded everyone that the plan is conceptual, with a need for a balance between function and aesthetics.
“This change still needs to respect the guys that have been here for 30 or 40 years and the businesses that have stabilized Easton. This isn’t just for Instagram and photo-ops for parents with kids at Lafayette. This is still a working city,” Brett said.