To the Editor:

 

I recently spoke with Terry on some ongoing Downtown issues that are surely not being addressed in a way to promote this business corridor.

 

Simply, most northbound traffic goes through South Paris on Route 26. Leaf peepers and snow folks for Sunday river all take that way north.

 

When you approach the road split for Norway-Paris, there are multiple signs and Norway’s sign is blocked and background foliage leaves it unreadable  at traffic speed. Folks just don’t put Norway downtown on their destination GPS.

 

Suggest Town of Norway place a visible sign, 1/4 mile before turn and suggest left lane turn for Downtown Norway and scenic route to Bethel. This will give drivers a time to make judgment on turning at left lane. Once they approach the downtown business area, show them where to park. Maybe combine the left turn lane sign with sign for Stephens Memorial Hospital.

 

There is no way for tourists who are unfamiliar to turn around and park.

 

The next sign placement should be about the free parking available at 100 Acre Wood  and The Coop in the rear. Now the signs are right where you have to turn and not in time for through traffic to get over and park. Lousy placement.

 

With the medical build bringing more people, there needs to be evident parking signs that are not obscured by foliage or parked cars. Oh yeah, find a legitimate and easy “turn around” after you go through Norway Downtown.

 

These are all pretty simple fixes. I have brought them up to the downtown committee members.  (All agree, but like most committees, not much in real results.) These ideas have been around for a few years now and no movement.

 

Once or twice a month, I  sit in The Maine Art Galley store window watching all the traffic, and speaking to  out-of-towners. This summer was a particularly good summer for foot traffic business.

 

They are thrilled and impressed on what they see. Check our log book on their comments. These are just the few who found parking or had a local direct them to the local businesses. Finding your own way for a stranger is futile. Let’s give them some help and encouragement.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ron Hamilton  (WMAG member)

 

Oxford