The Ventura City Council has decided to permanently close five blocks of Main Street and one block of California Street to vehicle traffic. The decision, made on September 16, continues a closure that began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The council voted 6-1 in favor of maintaining the pedestrian zone, with Council member Jim Duran casting the only dissenting vote, citing the need for more data on the impact of reopening the streets to cars.
The initiative, known as Main Street Moves, received overwhelming support from the community, with 74 residents and business owners speaking in favor of the closure during the council meeting. However, a group of downtown property owners, who previously sued the city and lost, continue to oppose the decision, arguing that the closure negatively affects businesses and landlords. They have appealed the previous lawsuit and filed a new one, which is pending.
The city plans to enhance the pedestrian area by introducing new standards for restaurant patios, known as parklets, and making physical changes to the downtown area. These changes include improved lighting, bike racks, landscaping, and public art. The city also plans to install custom-designed bollards to replace temporary street barriers and is considering creating an entertainment zone where open containers of alcohol would be allowed in designated areas.
Maintaining the street closure is expected to cost about $5.9 million over the next two years and an additional $23.5 million by 2035. Despite the costs, many local business owners report increased sales and foot traffic since the streets were closed to vehicles. For example, the candy store Rocket Fizz reported a 100% increase in revenue, and Fluid State Beer Garden’s revenue is 64% higher than in 2019.
Ventura City Attorney Javan Rad noted that the appeal on the lawsuit should be decided sometime next year. Until then, the city will not enforce the new parklet standards.
Recent Comments