Position: owned Legal Eagle deli for a year

City involvement: He approached the city for help buying and moving into another building downtown when the deli was at risk of closing. “Our business would have remained open and there would have been two nice apartments on the market…I was hoping they’d say, ‘We have this, that and the other to help you,’ to kind of hold some hands. I didn’t even get answers, really, nor did I get directions. It was like, ‘Fine, time to close.'”

Why go to Lisbon Street? “The new courthouse and the hype. They’ve never followed through. Yeah, they made the park. Big deal.”

Did most customers walk or drive? Came on foot.

What do you think of the mix of businesses downtown? “There wasn’t really a mix.”

Changes you’d make? “I’d put some money into a pot to help these property owners convert upper floors into loft apartments. … They’re inaccessible because they’re not up to code.”

Cost: any sense if it was cheaper compared to being in another area? Kendall said it was cheaper to rent the first floor than anywhere he looked, but he spent thousands of dollars to bring the electricity up to code so he could plug in his coffee makers and grinders.

Timothy R. Verreault

Position: vice president and area sales manager of retail banking, Maine District, for KeyBank N.A. (his answers were via e-mail)

Did most customers walk or drive? “The Lewiston branch had a healthy mix of both consumer and commercial relationships. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of the customers could easily walk to the location.”

What do you think of the mix of businesses downtown? “The business mix is mainly retail establishments (clothing, food, etc.), professionals and nonprofits. The mix was appropriate for our retail banking, business banking and private banking business units.”

What was the best part of being downtown? “Our long-standing tradition in the marketplace, attentive service and broad product set led to loyalty among customers.”

Why move out? “Key relocated its branch to accommodate the needs of our customers better. Our new location provides ample parking, new drive-up access and extended hours, including Saturdays.” Foot traffic had also slowed.

Cost: any sense if it was cheaper compared to being in another area? “Long-term, our newly built facility is more cost-effective.”

Changes you’d make? “More convenient parking arrangements for consumers wishing to shop and/or bank in the downtown area.”

Christine Maglione

Position: branch manager, Labor Ready

Thoughts on downtown? “The area’s definitely coming up.”

Do most customers walk or drive? Both foot and drive-by. “We have great visibility, we’re right on the corner.”

What do you think of the mix of businesses downtown? Good. “Hey, if they want to build some more buildings, we have the labor.”

Changes you’d make? Nothing in particular. “I think once the mills alone are done, it will be nice.”

Linda Varrell

Position: from Broadreach Public Communications, spokeswoman for Northeast Bank (her answers were via e-mail)

Do most customers walk or drive? Both. The building is both an office/headquarters and bank.

What do you think of the mix of businesses downtown? “We believe it’s a strong mix and it’s more sustainable than if it’s just retail or just restaurants.”

Wants to see: Employees want restaurants next door. They’d also like a post office or mail boxes nearby.

Changes you’d make? More parking near City Hall. Might be good to set up cones to remind drivers to yield to walkers.

Emilio Andoniades

Position: owns Athenian Enterprises, The Palace, Ink and Toners for Less, Kasey’s Variety, Spartan Electronics

Do most customers walk or drive? He wants more foot traffic. “One of the biggest problems we have is parking. Americans are lazy. … They want to be able to park the car, walk a couple of feet and go into the store.”

What do you think of the mix of businesses downtown? “It’s become too professional down here – unless you want an attorney, and the wrong crowd wants an attorney.”

Opinion on city involvement: Make the city planner accountable to the mayor. “Too many people have their fingers in the pot.”

The future: “I have hope, but we have to get the right people in here and renovate.”

Paul Poliquin

Position: owner Paul’s Clothing and Shoe Store

Do most customers walk or drive? Lots of traffic is corporate. Getting more walk-ins from the local banks, college, businesses in the Bates Mill.

What do you think of the mix of businesses downtown? The downtown will never be a retail hub again, but currently has a good mix.

Opinion on city involvement: Good job sprucing up, brightening the area. “I have nothing but praise for this council.”

The future: “Lisbon Street’s all I know. … I hope to be down here another 30, 40 years, God willing.”