The Regional Transportation Commission is looking at ways to improve South Virginia Street in the Midtown area. It is part of an effort to make the area safer and more pedestrian friendly. Many business owners say the narrow sidewalks are a major issue. Some are only about two feet wide in some areas.
Duncan Mitchell is the owner of The Chapel Tavern and 40 Mile Saloon. He says the light poles in the middle of the sidewalks make it even less appealing for pedestrians.
"Trying to get a stroller by this or a wheelchair by this, you basically have to go into the street," Mitchell said.
Mitchell has seen first-hand, the downside of this up-and-coming area, especially for pedestrians.
"Right now, it's not fun to walk a block because the sidewalks are horrible," Mitchell said. "Cars are going 45 to 50 miles per hour by you. It doesn't feel safe, it doesn't feel wholesome, it doesn't feel casual."
The speed limit, in front of his businesses, is 30 mph. But many motorists drive much faster. Possible changes could include reducing the speed limit to 25 mph or even 15 mph.
"That's the one I think that everybody starts freaking out a little bit because 15 is so low," Mitchell said. "It's like a school zone. But I think it needs to happen. It really does."
Cynthia Lewis owns "Dressed Like That." Â She agrees that drivers go too fast.Â
"I think they do need to slow down and pay more attention to the pedestrians and vice versa. Pedestrians need to pay attention, too," Lewis said.
Lewis says she would also like to see more parking, along with better sidewalks and crosswalks.
"Midtown is a wonderful, wonderful place and it is happening," Lewis said. "But there's kinks that need to be worked out."
RTC has various options for improvements, including extra curbside parking spaces, bike lanes, landscaping and lighting. Sidewalks could be widened to 7.5 feet, all the way up to 23 feet.
"You could have public art displays, you could have special activities, there could be bistro tables," Joe Harrington, RTC Public Information Officer said. "All kinds of fun things that would make this an even more livable community and support all the development that's happening here in Midtown."
Mitchell says many Midtown businesses serve the same customers, and improving walkability will only improve their appeal.
"Reno's becoming more of a city," Mitchell said. "We're becoming more cosmopolitan and when you're a city, people get used to it. You get used to having to park a block away. But if you add a nice sidewalk with nice landscaping and nice lighting, it's really not that big of a deal to walk a block."
RTC says this project will also allow better bus service in the area. They are holding a workshop at The Discovery Museum on June 18, asking what the community wants. The goal is to break ground in early 2017. It could be completed by 2019.
