Mixed Opinions on Changes to Downtown Marion

by Nicole Agee, Anchor/Reporter

Tools

By Nicole Agee

Story Created: Sep 9, 2009 at 6:12 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 9, 2009 at 6:48 PM CST

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:

Next Article Bedbug Bills Tries to Hold Tenants Accountable for Infestation

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.