Having lived in places around the world and visited a great deal of it, one type of “downtown” area always seemed most attractive and welcoming. That was in those places that had closed off a section of downtown, such as lower Lisbon Street, and converted those places into vehicle/traffic-free walking malls, with cafes, pubs, stores, etc.

When done well, and with enough parking nearby, these places always draw a crowd on weekdays, and huge throngs on weekends. Many of these have been made night/day malls, having family-oriented places on the street level open days and bars, restaurants, clubs, etc., on the second floors or cellar levels.

They’ve always been handicap-friendly, and focus mainly on small operations selling various goods/services.

With adequate business and city support, that would seem to be a viable way to create a friendly downtown. Such places in other cities have operated winter and summer and always seem busy.

Just a thought from an old traveler.

M. David Shain, Jay