The Ventura City Council on Tuesday discussed the results of a downtown survey that found the majority of property owners would like to see Main Street reopen to vehicles, while more than half of business owners want to keep the street closed. The study results will help the city council make a final decision on the pedestrian-friendly area next month.
Main Street has been closed to vehicular traffic since June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five blocks, from Mission Basilica San Buenaventura to Fir Street, are closed to cars. A block of South California Street, between Main and Santa Clara streets, is also part of the program known as Main Street Moves.
The effort was intended to make downtown more pedestrian-friendly and help struggling stores and restaurants. But the closure has become controversial, with some saying it has hurt certain businesses.
The city conducted an online survey from Sept. 12 through Oct. 4 asking property and business owners if they wanted the Main Street area to remain closed, reopen or have a hybrid alternative. More than 90% of real estate owners and more than 60% of entrepreneurs completed the survey.
Of property owners in the affected area, 60% favored Main Street reopening to cars, an initial question showed. Another 34.3% wanted it closed.
However, almost 53% of entrepreneurs preferred to keep the street closed, while more than 44% would like the street to open again. The survey also included other data, including preferences after additional information was provided.
During Tuesday’s meeting, 24 residents, business owners and property owners spoke for and against keeping Main Street closed.
“The survey results were not overwhelmingly clear in any direction, allowing you to make your own decision if you decide to open the street,” said Christy Weir, a former Ventura city council member. “If you decide to reopen the street, it is very likely that vehicle traffic will not help the failed businesses and we will have sacrificed the momentum we have gained for an even more successful, unique and community-energizing downtown.”
Mayor Joe Schroeder said he personally likes Main Street closed, but if mayor he would vote.
“Main Street is slow during the week. That’s true, he said. “I have a problem with it if a majority of property owners want it to reopen, so I’m open to it.”
A final decision on the program is expected to be made at the Nov. 12 council meeting.
A group of property owners has filed a lawsuit to reopen downtown Ventura streets to vehicles. In a lawsuit filed against the city on March 11, the group claims the vehicle ban has led to a loss of commercial tenants, increased vandalism and rising operating costs. A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. in Ventura County Superior Court.
In other action:
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Council members gave final approval to an ordinance to regulate sidewalk sales. The rules require sidewalk vendors to obtain a business tax certificate and a special business permit that must be displayed. The regulations also restrict where and when sellers can operate and set a range of escalating fines for violators. The ordinance, which will take effect 30 days after passage, does not apply to food trucks.
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The council also approved the issuance of tax-exempt bonds for a 57-unit affordable housing project called College Community Courts at 4300 Telegraph Road near Ventura College.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura talks Main Street closure, next steps
