Boulevard back-and-forth

Debate has been vigorous regarding the design of a future downtown boulevard, and much more will be said before a decision is made.

The boulevard will follow the path of the old Interstate 40 Crosstown Expressway. Should traffic move quickly along the new boulevard, to better help motorists get into and out of the city? Or should it move more slowly, and thus be more friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists? How much will the end product foster retail and residential growth?

All these issues and more are being bandied about. The fact that about 400 people turned out this week to voice their concerns to designers — who tweaked an earlier proposal after earlier public feedback — is a sign of just how important the boulevard is to residents.

More public meetings are planned in the months ahead. Some are sure to be disappointed no matter the final design, but they won’t be able to say they weren’t included in the process.

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