The Town of Carrboro’s planning process continues to move forward toward pedestrianization of the 100 block of East Weaver Street, creating a true public plaza in the heart of downtown Carrboro. As the town moves closer to forming concrete plans, and definitive decisions on whether to keep the project moving forward, opposition is making itself heard. At the most recent presentation of the project at Town Council on October 7, a majority of public comments on the plan voiced opposition to the plaza, some of it mild, some of it strong. Now is a good time for supporters of the project to respond to those concerns, and continue to advocate for its completion.
First, let’s remember that the plans for the Weaver Street Plaza are a direct response to what Carrboro residents have asked for. During the public engagement process over the past year for the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan , respondents gave a clear vision of what we want our future downtown to look like. When asked what we wanted to see more of, the three most common answers were trees and shade, safe bicycle and pedestrian spaces, and public gathering spaces (p. 133 of draft). The plaza is a smart solution that directly advances all of those goals, and the Town Council should be praised for listening to its constituents and swiftly starting the process to make this a reality.
As expected from infrastructure projects that reduce motor vehicle lanes, most concerns are framed around the fear of traffic congestion. Some business owners along the targeted block of Weaver Street (and adjacent areas on Main Street and in Carr Mill) worry that rerouted traffic will lead to congestion, dissuading customers who drive and leading to lost revenue. Such concerns are understandable, but I would urge them to take Carrboro residents at our word when we say that having a more pedestrianized downtown would make us spend more of our time there (p. 132 of Carrboro Downtown Area Plan draft). Skeptical as they may be, we must remember that business owners generally overestimate how many of their customers arrive by car .
It’s important to remember that increased congestion is not a foregone conclusion. While there will be one block less of roadway, there will also be fewer turn movements possible at Weaver Street’s intersections on each end of the plaza (North Greensboro St and Roberson St). This means fewer opportunities for vehicles at these intersections to be delayed by turning traffic, thus improving traffic flow. It also simplifies the notorious five-way intersection where Roberson, Main, and Weaver Streets meet. NCDOT’s own capacity study projects that a Weaver Street plaza would on average reduce vehicle backups at some intersections.
Opponents will be quick to point out the project’s price tag (currently projected at around $300,000 for implementing the road closure and signal changes alone), but we must remember that it comes with significant, measurable gains. The Town government may expect higher tax income from higher sales at downtown businesses, not to mention potential revenue to be gained by allowing new, regulated vending spaces around the plaza. There is a battery of scientific studies to suggest that socializing, walking, and being outside are some of the best predictors of long-term happiness and health. These provide direct benefits to our townsfolk, in the form of lower healthcare expenses and less lost productivity due to illness, both of which keep more money in the wallets of Carrboro’s residents and employers.
While challenges and adjustments are inevitable, we can join the many cities in the US and around the world that have figured out how to open their downtown streets to pedestrians. Years from now, when Carrboro families are enjoying pleasant days outside, on a lively public plaza flanked by a thriving row of small shops and restaurants, they will surely not be asking the town to tear it up to squeeze in one block with two vehicle lanes, five parking spaces, and a new five-point intersection.
Carrboro is one of the best places in the state for walking and biking because we have made progressive decisions in the past to support these choices. We’ve proven ourselves to be highly adaptable folks, and we will always be able to find new ways to get around and enjoy our town. We have a rare opportunity to create the kind of downtown that we have dreamed of. Let’s get our neighbors on board, and remind the Town Council and our favorite downtown businesses of how excited we are for a plaza on Weaver Street.