Insight
Catalyze 2020: Matt Lettelleir
We asked our readers to share one catalyzing idea for making St. Pete a better place to live. We asked not for lists of problems, but for meaty, actionable and impactful solutions, no matter how big or how small. We’re calling this series Catalyze 2020.
Matt Lettelleir – Advocacy Manager, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
I’d like to see the 200 block of Central Avenue turned into a plaza. Remove the road and all parking (it’s mostly valet in the evenings anyway) and bring the road up to curb level. Not only would this create a pedestrian friendly area, the bars and restaurants would be able to move their patio seating further away from the buildings, clearing room for pedestrians on the sidewalks. Balustrades that can be lowered/removed for passage of emergency vehicles, concert trucks or cranes could be installed to keep plaza safe from traffic.
What do you think? Do you have an idea to share? Take the survey below.
Catalyze 2020
Jeff Oligschlaeger
January 10, 2020at6:25 am
Yes! It would be similar to a European square. It is already blocked off on First Fridays. So, we know the traffic patterns will work. Put a monument in the middle, possibly a fountain. Love the idea.