ROSWELL, Ga. — Business owners' fears and concerns are growing in downtown Roswell as the city considers a proposed shut down to a section of one of its busiest streets, known as its downtown hub.
A shut down on Canton Street, which is crawling with dozens of businesses -- including restaurants, bars and shops -- could affect revenue for owners in the area. The city said it is due to issues with the traffic in the area.
"Sometimes we have to wait three or four cars for someone to even see us and then we get a nice Samaritan to let us cross," explained Anthony Farrant, a Roswell resident.
If the proposed change passes, the city would shut down at least 200 feet of the street from East Valley to Elizabeth Way.
Concerned business owners said that the shutdown would limit parking and interfere with their truck deliveries.
"There's a couple of free lots right here, but they feel up and by 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. in the afternoon, they're totally full," said Scott Farrant, a Roswell resident.
City officials said the closure will only take away 39 parking spaces.
They're also working on constructing a nearby parking deck that they say will be complete in two years.
Business owners added that they believe the city should wait to close the roadway until that deck is complete.
Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson will hold a meeting Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall. In the meeting, the council will discuss the summer weekend trial for the opening of the "Canton Street promenade".
Owners will have a chance to meet with the mayor and city council to voice their concerns in-person.
"Based on the input we have received so far, the City is currently considering a weekend-only promenade," the city said in Friday's statement.
The City of Roswell is currently working through the logistics that will consider all of the business owners and residents concerns, including ADA parking, access to ride share and deliveries.
Officials said they will reach their final decision on the project in the coming weeks at a City Council meeting.
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