Staff report
The Board of Aldermen unanimously voted Oct. 17 to make Center Street in Rutland a one-way street.
The decision was made following an Oct. 11 community and economic development commission meeting, where the item also passed unanimously 5-0.
The Board of Aldermen made the decision on Monday, Oct. 17 with no discussion, but the issue has previously been talked about in detail.
Beautification efforts of Center Street began decades ago. City officials began soliciting community feedback with the help of engineering consultants DuBois & King, Inc. about a year ago. Officials considered keeping it a two-way street — which was the least popular option among the public — and making it a pedestrian-only street, which was encouraged by DuBois & King but too polarizing for residents.
The new one-way street will have improved curb appeal to enhance pedestrian traffic in an attempt to attract business owners to vacant storefronts.
“The one-way design will support Center Street’s continued hosting of festivals, concerts and gatherings,” Alderman Mike Talbott said on Oct. 17.
The design will require an engineering study of infrastructure beneath the street and the board will likely work with the Department of Public Works to hire an outside engineering consultant, according to Talbott.
The economic development commission is requesting $500,000 to use APRA funds for the Center Street’s redesign. Talbott said the discussion will continue at the next finance committee meeting.
A missed opportunity. Making it pedestrian-only would have been a special attraction and draw for visitors. Dedicated bike paths and infrastructure would also help to put Rutland back on the tourist path. Also, people care about places that “feel” quaint and nice. Improvements like this would boost the morale of the whole town.