I'm always apprehensive about such drastic changes... When they turned a major downtown street into a pedestrian mall in Ottawa a few years ago, businesses faltered. Eventually, vehicles had to be allowed back on the street.
Some cities do manage to create dynamic pedestrian streets... But my favorite one in Paris becomes a pedestrian mall only for certain hours of the day... At that time the narrow cobblestone street is blocked off so cars can't drive on it. But overnight the barriers are removed so that people who live there can park beside their homes and businesses again.
I hope this one turns out successfully. One thing is certain: Life in this downtown neighborhood will be a mess for several years, until this project is done!
This area will only be pedestrian-only during the city's festivals. The rest of the time vehicules will be allowed on the streets. A perfect compromise, I'd say.
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