As the likelihood of a railway project moves forward, I share the concern of business owners. I am proposing a pedestrian-friendly project for consideration.
If the existing town hall is to be demolished at approximately the same time as the rail project is under way, perhaps the site of the town hall would be available for a temporary parking lot. The lot is easily within walking distance of the center of the shopping area and might actually draw more visitors to stroll about on a traffic-free Main Street. Nationwide many villages seem to have found this solution for dining and shopping.
Of course, ultimately a new park could become an attractive approach to the town after the rail project is completed.
Mariel Kneuer
Middlebury