TWO WAY STREET?

To all readers and guests:

As of last night, Merrimack Street, at the point right outside our building, has become a two way street for the first time in decades.  It is an issue that has been discussed ever since we arrived on “the scene” in 1994.

We have read that the decision was made, in part at least, to help downtown retailers.  I get that–because it is clear that downtown retailers are greatly challenged, evidenced by how many times a business opens and closes on both sides of the street. Way too many to list, or remember. We have seen them come and go, for twenty years.  (The Verizon service store, the latest closure, to re open as a paternity center.  Jerry Springer should be having dinner here any day now!)

We don’t have a strong opinion as to whether a two way street will make a difference, though we do find it curious that no one asked us.  (We only sit on that corner, 7 days a week for the better part of 20 years doing our own version of the retail thing)

We DO have an opinion as to why so many downtown businesses struggle and fail–and we could point to numerous reasons, that we believe would rank higher in priority than traffic patterns, however, many are beyond the true control of decision makers attempting to make a difference.

Unfortunately, we point out selfishly, we have now lost numerous parking spaces close to our business as a result of this decision.  Valuable, revenue producing spaces.  We truly hope this initiative makes a positive difference for others–so at least our loss is not in vain.  More viable businesses within walking distance of our restaurant would be an acceptable trade off–businesses, hopefully, that are not there to help people decide whose baby it is.  (Maybe it’s the guy who sleeps on the Masonic Temple steps, or on the benches in Lucy Larcom Park) In general, it is unlikely that folks who don’t know whose baby it is, are not supporting city retailers!  “Downtown flavor, We Got it”

It would be interesting to know how well the decision makers are tracking the percentage of businesses on Merrimack St that shutter their doors annually. (The obvious darkened-doorway evidence notwithstanding)  Or, if anyone is tracking the average length of stay? Sales per address? Or comparing attrition to other downtown main streets?  It sure would be nice to have actual data that indicates if this change was a fruitful one for the retail initiative after a couple of years have passed.  (It would be of further interest to know what data was analyzed that led to double-wide yet empty bike lanes throughout downtown)

There is no doubt that access is important.  Maybe two way traffic will somehow positively influence the many other ills that plague downtown.  Our fingers are crossed, that this decision has better response than the proactive-but-not-there-yet moves to increase the aforementioned biking via the painting of lanes.  Does the painting of lanes create riders by way of suggestion?  Actually changing people’s behavior…now that’s a bitch!  I think our city has often felt “build it and they will come.”  Cobblestones, The Spinners, The MRT and Divsion 1 Hockey all work because the demand is there.  Not so sure about the bikes.  Not yet anyway.  (We find that Lowell generally trends a few years behind, in case any of you were wondering.)

Street signs, a parking company, many many meters,  bike lanes, an increase in local meals tax, mucho more college presence, two way streets, the school department downtown…and a pending great marketing plan!  Surely the desire is there.  

Hey Phillip, what’s that you say about effort….?