MARION - Changes to traffic patterns aim to bring more traffic to downtown Marion businesses. But not everyone agrees on how to do that.

The most extreme of four proposals would re-direct through traffic off of 7th Ave. and onto 6th Ave. The city's planning and zoning committee says no matter what, 7th Ave. will not fully close to traffic.

Will Lis owns several businesses on this part of 7th Ave. in Marion. He says the city's most drastic plan to redirect the flow of thru traffic would cut the cash flow to his business. "We generate a lot of business from street traffic not only from the sales side but also from the repairs side," he says.

He and other business owners opposed to the plan formed the Marion Project, aimed at highlighting the plan's potential impact with a website and signs. "If we were to close, that would impact about 25 people just right here in this area. You move down that way you're talking about thousands of people that would be impacted."

"We need a new dynamic in uptown Marion," says Craig Campbell who supports the most drastic plan to draw more people to Marion. "We need ways to enhance the enjoyment of people who come here from Cedar Rapids and other towns as well as Marion. This would do it. It's a great plan."

Lis isn't against the vision. "We don't disagree with anything the city council is saying as far as making 6th Ave. a place for the citizens of Marion to go."

He and other members of the Marion Project just want the city to leave 7th Avenue alone.

RELATED LINKS:

• Marion Art Project
• Marion Central Corridor Master Plan