Wayne Downtown Master Plan & Parklet Proposal

Expressed concerns on behalf of North Wayne Avenue business owners regarding the proposed parklet eliminating parking and blocking essential egress and delivery access.

Highlighted pedestrian safety issues, lack of parking on West Lancaster Avenue, and suggested alternative locations to create additional parking spaces.

Urged commissioners to prioritize accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges in any downtown planning or parklet design.

Noted that walkability and available parking are essential for local business success and expressed concern over losing parking inventory.

Criticized the priority given to the parklet project over basic infrastructure and safety concerns.

Strongly objected to removing parking lots and traffic access near downtown restaurants, emphasizing the severe economic strain on local merchants.

Argued that the proposed North Wayne Avenue redesign would create severe traffic backups, delivery bottlenecks, and parking shortages.

Expressed embarrassment over the board's approach to the park project, urging leaders to focus on practical priorities like traffic and accessibility.

Calculated the potential daily revenue loss from eliminating 24 parking spaces and emphasized the vital economic role of retail boutiques.

Voiced support for creating public green spaces and town squares, arguing that communities can successfully balance parks and parking.

Raised concerns about narrow access roads, traffic circulation problems, and delivery truck access under the proposed downtown plans.

Expressed deep concern over employee safety, late-night walking conditions from remote parking lots, and a lack of parking infrastructure.

Spoke on behalf of the historic 'Little Chicago' neighborhood, cautioning against unvetted residential redevelopment recommendations in the master plan.

Highlighted safety hazards for employees walking to distant parking lots at night without adequate lighting or sidewalks.