(WJBC file photo)
By Pamela Sweetwood
Main Street in Normal is a frequent path I take – either to stop at one of the many businesses or as a means to get elsewhere.
I was disappointed Potbelly and Noodles was approved with such small parking lots. The argument was that much of the customer base would be walk-in. If you are a customer, you know too well the hunt for parking in their lot or on the street. Nearby businesses face encroaching cars. Personally I gave up going unless it was an off time.
Since their opening, the area has been developed extensively. Buffalo Wild Wings will open soon next door. Although plans include additional parking across the street, I suggest this will compound problems more so.
Driving down Main you now encounter scores of students trying to cross at multiple points. There are few good options. The frequent reduction to one lane and blocked visibility due to construction equipment make it even more dicey.
In the last 10 years, ISU unofficially has spread both south and west. With hundreds of student apartment spots and numerous new businesses between Beaufort and College, it has high traffic for people and vehicles. This will only worsen with Buffalo Wild Wings and planned development of the South Campus area.
Pedestrians tend to be bold. It’s not just students, it is human nature. People go into the street and cut across with little room for error. We’ve had ISU students die too young due to drunk drivers. I fear a sober driver is likely to hit someone on Main. Add in the speed of cars and drinking by pedestrians or drivers, the odds for tragedy escalate. The worst part is how dark it is and how pedestrians can suddenly appear.
I have not heard of plans to increase safety. I hope crosswalks, wider sidewalks and especially lighting are added to this corridor. There needs to be a peaceful co-existence rather than accidents and injuries.
Pamela Sweetwood was an ISU student, like many, who never left town. She works in higher education and has a history with many community non-profits organizations.
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