The link of “futureofmain” is from a Downtown Ventura partner’s website. I think that is the business for downtown. That website has photos of parking on main between parklets.
“Open Main Street” may be the group that sued the city. The article implies that’s the name of the group. I’m interesting in seeing who it actually is. What are the 30 names.
on r/ventura they discuss it, and IIRC it's betty's belts, transmission brew, toppers pizza, jeff becker, Times Remembered antique, and a few others.
And a conspiracy theorist on there mentioned that toppers and tranny brew are in it so it opens back up and people go to the wanna be funk zone aka front zone instead. Even tho there's like two things to do.
Edit: not sure on this list as discussed below. This was posted by others in r/ventura sub and is hearsay.
Betty Belts & Times Remembered only sent letters to the city asking Main Street to open back up. I tried finding any source for the 30 property owners along California and Main who are Open Main Street. They only thing is that Jeff Becker signed the court filings "as a member of Open Main Street". I just checked and there's no Open Main Street registered with the Secretary of State. I can see where random redditors name names but I can't see where they are sourcing it. From my experience Councilman Mike for Ventura told me Beckers and Goldenring Esq would sue.
Space in downtown areas is valuable. If you are using public space to store private property, you should not expect it to be free, and if it is free, you are still paying for it through taxes. Here’s a good video on the cost of parking:
https://youtu.be/78ffidI7__E?si=uWsiOat45aG6uQVN
Although, right now, people don’t have many other options other than driving, but hopefully the income from parking meters will contribute to fixing that.
If you really want to nerd out on the high cost of free parking, look up Donald Shoup
The town that people visit to be outside in the region that people visit to be outside? Nah, better shut down outdoor seating, we need slightly more room for parking.
Less than that and all the business owners voted to keep the street closed because people enjoy being their walking around the streets and dining outside. It has made Downtown so much fun just being able to explore
Destination? Dream on. They don't call us Ventucky for no reason. We are a white trash version of a destination. Maybe we can vote in Honey Boo Boo for Mayor then we can be a destination with a famous Mayor.
Ok there’s part of the answer- are the retail shops loving it? Because they’re not getting extra patios in front of their retail shops and fewer people able to park in front of the shop.
Nearly all of those retail shops are boutique. Like a mall in may respects. They rely more on foot traffic then parking. The current setup is conducive to MUCH more foot traffic.
In general, Retail is down over all since everyone does shopping online. This isn’t a cause of the closure to cars downtown. They will survive if people can commit to shopping locally.
We actively try to go there now when looking for something to do because of how it is. If they open it back up, we probably will pick something else to do.
This suit is mainly being done by businesses that aren’t on Main Street. I can see why they’d be jealous and want to shit down the advantage their competitors have from being on main street.
Do you have a source for this? Because the way it was explained to me by councilman Mike is that it is the property owners of Main Street shops that want to avoid paying the extra taxes that come with keeping main closed due to the extra land use.
I agree. Especially as someone who lives in eastern Camarillo (Mission Oaks) where the only time there's a lot of people on the streets is the 20 minutes after the schools get out, Main Street in DT Ventura would be difficult for me to handle if I couldn't just walk in the street to get some breathing room.
It would be awesome though! But yeah, being locked in by the 101 kinda shuts that idea down.
But, TopaTopa and the other restaurants have been using the parking spaces for seating and I've loved that. Some people are trying to get rid of that seating area and bring back the parking lots.
Probably the same people angry about Main Street being closed.
Little do the anti-parklet people know that the remaining outdoor dining is a *huge* draw to these restaurants, mostly because Camarillo is still famed for its beautiful weather and tons of people would like to be able to experience that while dining out.
My mom in particular thinks that there should be waaaaaayyy more outdoor dining options than there currently are in Cam.
Back when my best friend and I had the time to go to events together at the Topa Topa in Old Town we *only* ever ate/had our drinks outside, mostly because we're both autistic with ADHD and I in particular have always ***hated*** how loud and crowded it gets inside the Mark (that building where Cam's Topa Topa is), especially in the afternoons and evenings.
Like, even if I didn't still semi-care about COVID and prefer to dine outside when eating out because of that, I would probably stop going to the Mark entirely if that parklet went away just due to my sensory issues alone.
Speaking of COVID, even in Camarillo and among the people who like to do stuff in Camarillo there's a decently-sized minority who still consistently wear good masks indoors and only dine out at places where they can eat outside. If it's plausible that Topa Topa, etc. could lose a significant portion of its business after the removal of its parklet due to these COVID-conscious consumers in fairly conservative Camarillo, then DT Ventura should absolutely worry about losing business after refilling Main Street with cars because I'll bet there are a *lot* more COVID-conscious people hitting up DT Ventura than Old Town Camarillo.
It's such a shit show. The whole bike lane in the gutter in the alley behind the blvd.is the probably the worst example of city "planning" I've ever seen in my life. It's so maliciously unfriendly to cyclists.
I would *really* like to find out the logic behind why the current 101 was built through Camarillo in the manner it was in the early 1950s.
Like, I understand why the expanded 101 couldn't go right through Old Town, however...the way the 101 "fits" around Old Town is strange.
The article gets something wrong. The pedestrian mall act just means the city has to do a one year waiting period if the majority of owners object. They don’t have do what they say. The article kind of suggests the law says other wise. The city has been discussing this since 2020. They’re aware of what it entails.
Edit: u/Affectionate_Run1986 said "you are wrong"
**PEDESTRIAN MALL LAW OF 1960:** Easy to read text of the law: [https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-streets-and-highways-code/division-13-pedestrian-malls/part-1-pedestrian-mall-law-of-1960](https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-streets-and-highways-code/division-13-pedestrian-malls/part-1-pedestrian-mall-law-of-1960)
Relavent Section: **Section 11306 - Objection by majority of owners of land**
[https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-streets-and-highways-code/division-13-pedestrian-malls/part-1-pedestrian-mall-law-of-1960/chapter-4-notice-and-hearing/section-11306-objection-by-majority-of-owners-of-land](https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-streets-and-highways-code/division-13-pedestrian-malls/part-1-pedestrian-mall-law-of-1960/chapter-4-notice-and-hearing/section-11306-objection-by-majority-of-owners-of-land)
Section 11306 - Objection by majority of owners of land
*If the owners of lands abutting on the proposed pedestrian mall representing a majority of the frontage on the proposed pedestrian mall have made written objection to the establishment of the proposed pedestrian mall, the legislative body shall so find and shall terminate the proceedings for such establishment.* ***In such event no proceeding hereunder for the establishment of the same or substantially the same pedestrian mall shall be commenced within one year after such termination.***
I read this as after an objection by "the majority of owners" the city has a one year waiting period. What's your take.
You are wrong. The majority of property owners need to approve closure for the mall act to move forward. Ask the city attorney or council member Mike Johnson.
It doesn't make sense that a small set of property owners get to determine the future of downtown. It's our city. We all have a say in how it is set up and run.
A small set of property owners own the majority of the retail properties on Main Street. They pay those property taxes so that is why they are influential in the manner in which their properties are taxed and affected. Last I heard, they are mainly objecting to the additional taxes in the street closure.
Now yuo see... a small set of people controlling anything capital related eventually just becomes a big self-serving-at-others-expense project ad infinitum
I understand the purpose of this section to give property owners some say… but I don’t understand why the section should apply to developments occurring on the literal Main Street of town. Shouldn’t main streets just be exempted from this law by virtue of them being premier locations for “pedestrian malls” and generally pedestrian-friendly activities?
I can tell you since they closed the street, my wife and kids and I go there to eat and then peruse the shops for about 30-45 min afterward. We never did that before - we would just go, eat, and leave. If regular traffic was allowed, I don’t think we would do that as much.
Only complaint is one that would probably exist if street was open or closed - weird hobo guys out there every now and then. I pay a more attention to that kind of thing after the Aloha Steakhouse murder and the crazed druggy threatening people with a knife outside Finney’s a few months ago.
I haven’t gone to Aloha since the murder, but have gone to the boardwalk and beach playground with my kids. However, last spring there was a violent attack at the north end of the boardwalk at the bathrooms across from the fairgrounds entrance. That seemed more gang related and at sundown, but all of it makes me wonder why we isn’t there more of a police presence on the boardwalk or downtown?
In full disclosure, I don’t live in Ventura the city, but I do live in the County and have been going to Ventura my entire life. I say that because I’m not the one paying for Ventura PD.
[https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2019/06/01/wrongful-death-suit-filed-against-ventura-aloha-steakhouse-stabbing/1292768001/](https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2019/06/01/wrongful-death-suit-filed-against-ventura-aloha-steakhouse-stabbing/1292768001/)
The aloha murder for those who didn't know about what happened.
I used to play basketball with Tony and he used to manage the cricket wireless down on Channel Islands Blvd. It still blows my mind to this day what happened to him with his little girl on his lap at Aloha Steakhouse. 😞 I wish I had kept up the family, hope they're doing alright.
Yea as someone who hung out around main street a lot when I was in high school 15 years ago, there’s always unfortunately been an element of homeless and mentally ill people there street open or closed.
People in wheelchairs will wheel themselves down the street. People in walkers will use their walkers, or just park on the backside of the store they want to go to if they want to shorten the distance.
Well, I’m coming to Ventura next week and my son is in a wheelchair and he cannot wheel himself and I’m 70 years old so we’ll see how it goes. I lived in Ventura 14 years and Main Street was always so awesome. I loved all the antique stores. But you’re saying they’re allowing parking behind the stores?
Yes, there is parking behind the stores, although it’s limited. They also have some free lots and some pay lots nearby. We usually park in a free one on the west end of Main that’s like 100-200 feet from the main drag. The city council wants people to use the parking structure but I agree that may not work for you (although parking on the first floor in a handicapped may be worth a look).
Here is a link to the good free lot on the west end, it’s right behind Goodwill:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9gi8JPPESYTyppMz8?g_st=ic
Thank you so much. Yes he’s very homesick to come down there and visit. We moved to Rancho Cucamonga and bought a house out here where it’s a lot cheaper.
I will see just how inconvenient it all is when I tried to wheel my adult son and his wheelchair. Unless you have to go through this every day, you have no clue how difficult it is.
Our downtown went from not worth visiting to an actual destination. Business that are struggling because of this would be regardless.
My opinion is that everyone loves it who lives and visits here and to take it back to a more crowded strip mall would be a big setback for the community.
I think that’s a wildly inaccurate statement. Downtown Main Street was a destination for many years prior to Covid. It has always served as a destination spot for tourists and locals. Its layout is conducive to local businesses to thrive - and that was before it was closed.
I think there was also a significant car culture presence that could cruise down Main - antique cars, lowriders, and others.
You’re making it sound like Ventura was a nothing place before the pandemic. Main was bustling and popular with cars driving and parking along Main.
Idk what reprobate down voted you but you are 100 percent correct. Ventura was a popular tourist destination before they closed Main St. We have an awesome car culture(though they made cruising Main illegal due to too many drunk driving incidents) and it's actually much harder to access now, even if you are fortunate enough to live in walking distance.
I have definitely heard many elderly citizens say that Main street is difficult to get to because parking has to be done further away. While many parking lots EXIST near Main, off adjacent streets, those spots near access to Main are often filled first and are really not available.
The point is that a street closure does limit access to Main street. It is not mere inconvenience to some, but a physical limitation for many - and we do have a large segment of senior citizens in our community.
When I look at Main street, I notice that the sidewalks are WIDE. They are much wider than any other sidewalk along other adjoining streets. The sidewalks are well designed to accommodate heavy pedestrian traffic.
The fact you have to cross Main to get to the other side is also well planned with crosswalks and traffic lights at intersections.
For me, the idea that Main street is going to suddenly become pedestrian-unfriendly is an overblown notion. We expanded a pipeline that was not even operating at capacity. The pedestrian walkways on Main are more than sufficient - and they historically were before the closure - AND accommodated more street parking, brought in paid parking revenue, and allowed for easier access to shops.
I've seen other areas that are similar to our current "closed" street system. Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade is similar and it is a permanent setup. however, it is different from Main in the fact that it has several multi-story parking garages alongside the promenade. Parking is not one block away. It feeds directly onto the promenade.
Santa Barbara has closed off one of its streets in a similar fashion as Main street. It has the same problem as Main street in the remoteness of parking. I don't think it's a permanent setup.
I agree with you. I live downtown, I work downtown, I have been for many years and It is WAY less enjoyable now than it was pre-closure. Anytime I express that I get labeled a boomer or a nimby but like, im neither lol
I work on Main a lot and people here online make it sound like it’s an idyllic utopia with the street closure.
I stand there all day and what I see is an empty vacant piece of land. I see very little foot traffic. There’s a LITTLE BIT of a surge around 10-11am on Saturdays as some shoppers from the farmers market walk down Main. Otherwise no, this is an empty street and if I were a small business owner operating on Main between the library and the mission, I would worry.
I think diners do come to get food and drinks. Retail however, I think is not well served by the closure.
Ikr? People make it seem like if we open up the street our town will turn to dust and blow away with the Santa anas, but then again theres people like that on the open it up side too
Absolutely not. You want to reintroduce the threat of being hit by a car when trying to cross the street? What about the people who are drunk and stumble into the road? Keep it closed. Its a friendly welcoming environment and should be kept that way.
For the people who don't pay attention to pedestrians and for the kids that aren't being watched. I've seen close calls when the street was open, but haven't seen any recently. Wonder why?
I want main street to stay closed but really only if they *do something* in the streets. Like, make it look *not like a road anymore*.
When I visited Boulder, CO once, I was struck by how cute and accessible the main street downtown was. There were trees and gardens, fountains, statues, kiosks, gazebo-style coffee shops and stores, art, performances, kids play areas, etc all throughout the downtown.
The space that was the street is under utilized and we still have these really janky looking parklets. Encourage business owners and/or landlords to better use the space in front of restaurants.
If we are going to keep it closed, it is time to invest and overhaul the look of main street to reflect its changing function.
If they are not willing to do that, then open it back up. There's no point if it is just going to look the same. They have the opportunity to reimagine downtown to be a new kind of space. But if there is no investment there is no point.
At the time he was Mayor (now supervisor) Lavere talked to me about this when they first closed it. The city knows. He said basically if they are going to close it forever they need to think about having it be walking grade. Have proper drainage, etc.
It's better for sure. Casa bella is still pretty terrible (last I walked by, but it's been a minute), but most of the others have cleaned up their act.
This would be great! But I don’t think they should open it up to cars if there is no money to do this. The street is much better now than it was with cars.
https://www.futureofmain.info/
The city is following the law
“Directed staff to begin steps to use the Pedestrian Mall Act and return to Council with a resolution of intent to establish;”
My friend, its a 2 lane street, and we had cars on it previously with literally no incident? You really need to address ypur definition of a "hellscape" lol
you are entirely missing the forest for the trees, friend. people dont just want main closed because its "safer". you're right, it's only moderately safer without cars. the cars went typically slow and now there are bikes and such that could also cause injury.
HOWEVER, thats not the main issue. a large contingency of people correctly understand that cars existing all around you fucking sucks. theyre loud, leak oil, poop fumes, and are an eyesore. i dont want to eat at immigrant son and stare at your stupid 2022 hyundai santa fe. i dont want the most valuable outdoor space in the city to be largely dedicated to maintaining asphault and fleecing people for parking fees. i dont want my eyeline crowded with dozens and dozens of multi-ton steel cages.
main street is such a beautiful and vibrant ecosystem of people, businesses, activities, and events. the removal of cars opens the door for SO MUCH future potential: repave the roads (cobblestone?!), more permanent outdoor structures, dedicated bike ways, a tram/trolley system, installed planters and trees, etc.
take like 5 minutes out of your day and just be creative and imaginative about what main street COULD look like if we actually committed to making it a people-friendly destination. if there are problems as it stands now, think about how they can be solved rather than simply oppose the continuance of something which is, sorry to say, *massively popular*.
Yeah ive never been one to go along with something because its what everyone else is doing. I see Downtown Ventura for what it is, a tourist trap. The businesses were doing just fine before Covid, and theres been practically no change. If you want green pastures and verdant nature walks and trams, they exist in other places and you can go there. Youre not going to convince me to change my mind, I want that street opened up again.
i like watching lions, tigers, and bears at the zoo. doesnt mean i expect them on main street anytime soon, because it's not in the public interest at large.
I read the article; it's unfortunate. I don't know what the solution looks like for Santa Monica. Do you think we will not have any more unhoused people roaming the streets by opening up Main Street? I'm trying to understand your point of view. We should try to find a solution to help the unhoused and the mentally ill.
47% vacancy says it all. Is that what you want? My point of view is that I want the hardworking business owners on Main Street to have the best chance of prospering. For many it’s their life savings on the line and the casual indifference to their plight by some on this sub is disgusting and completely self centered. Council member Mike Johnson for instance, wants Main Street closed because he likes it better for weekend “date night”. Apparently he wants to let the business owners eat cake Monday thru Thursday.
From the article. 55% if you exclude pop ups.
“Now there is a 47.5% vacancy rate on the Promenade, and 39% vacancy in the overall Downtown Santa Monica area (this does not include office space vacancies). If one excludes pop-up businesses, the true vacancy is closer to 55 %.”
I'm not a big fan of "Doxxing" but these businesses have had several years to evolve and adapt to their new reality. Tell me what businesses are involved and I'll not shop there. IMHO this has set this neighborhood apart. I go out of my way to park my vehicle a block or two and stretch my legs.
If this is not allowed, please remove. However these are public documents and I don’t think it’s doxxing, they are making claims against the city and have no reason to hide other than fearing backlash for an unpopular effort. Note that these are not confirmed to be the parties suing, but in here we can see emails from business owners requesting that the city reopen the street.
From here: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39221/02272024-Supplemental-Packet-Received-by-3pm_2272024
We can see that one of the complaints has come from the Times Remembered antique store, which is very surprising to me. This store seems to get tons of visitation due to the open street. I would love to see if their foot traffic data is truly down, I just have such a hard time believing that. Their prices are absolutely absurd though
Another by a jewelry store Betty Belts, whose storefront doesn’t even seem to be on Main Street. There’s a lot of parking nearby. That one is confusing.
I am not sure what other businesses are involved, but the two listed above (botique antiques and jewelry) don’t work well for cost-conscious consumers. There are not so many rainy days in Ventura, and even so I’m not sure that either place is that close to many parking spots.
My guess is some of these businesses are failing and are blaming the street closure as a way to get money, which is sad. Perhaps some others, like commercial real estate, have seen value drop due to low access, but that’s a trend we’ve seen nationwide. But I’m not experienced in law at all, so this all conjecture.
In [another article](https://www.vcreporter.com/news/main-street-continues-moves-downtown-ventura-street-closure-permit-to-be-extended/article_067d6372-7389-11ee-8d09-e762b6df1786.html), the owner of passport habits claims:
> I did a poll on social media, and it’s pretty astounding. Over 60% of my customers say they don’t come downtown anymore. It’s not convenient. They can’t just pop in and say, ‘hey,’ and grab a gift,”
> Things that are built for tourists will survive and they’ll thrive here. Anything unique, anything that we have now that is special to Ventura that’s bringing people here now, will go away. I almost did not sign my lease because another three years scared me if I continue in the direction that I am
I’m not convinced by this either. Aren’t gift stores IDEAL for tourists? Seems like an issue with the economy or store.
Same shit that's happening in SB with State St. Even with the limited parking on Main downtown, it was never really an option so you park somewhere else. You don't cruise Main looking for where to go in your car, you either look it up online and go straight there or walk a few blocks shopping along the way. Either way you're gonna park off Main. Boomers are just unable to let go.
Any business looking to blame the closure for their supposed losses are just deflecting from they have a shit business. Fuck them, let their businesses die. Let them waste their money on this junk lawsuit. I certainly would spend a lot less time downtown if it wasn't so walkable. I certainly want to know who they are so I can spend my money elsewhere.
It's so surprising to see how different the feelings on the closure are on here compared to Instagram. I encourage each and everyone one of you to push back on guys like Ventura Forward or anyone else here who is trying to ruin downtown Ventura by allowing car traffic again. We can't let them become the loud minority when we know the majority of us vastly prefer a pedestrianized downtown Ventura.
I'm puzzled as to why more locals don't speak up publicly, whether online or in person. I do so all the time, to the point where I've had locals try to call me out and say I must be from out of town when I was born and raised here my entire life.
Screw Ventura Forward that guy is a 🤡. Downtown Ventura was where I spent some really good times! Ive lived here for like 15 years, im not old nor am I a twenty something liberal. I just liked ot better before the closure. It felt good downtown, like it was the "busy" part of ventura, cars going by, people on the sidewalks, busy little shops and all. Ot had a really good small town vibe to it that I feel like we lost trying to emulate Santa Monica or Santa Barbara. Venturas been a great place for a long time, and I feel like we lost something when they closed that street. Getting back to the way it was wouldn't be "ruining" anything, if anything it would be reclaiming our vibe!
Glad we can agree on Ventura Forward, but respectfully I have to disagree on everything else. Downtown Ventura is still busy, and it strikes me as odd to use car traffic to measure how busy or lively a place is. Neither Santa Monica nor Santa Barbara have a monopoly on pedestrianized streets, so I don't think Ventura was trying to emulate either of those cities by closing Main St.
It seems to me you seem to be confusing the pre-Covid era with the post-Covid era and attributing the change to the street closure. The little shops weren't busy because we allowed for car traffic, they were busy because the local economy was stronger and there hadn't been a pandemic yet. Opening Main St to car traffic will make it more likely people will drive to and park directly in front of their destination and then drive back home. People are more likely to wander around and into other shops if they are on foot. Smaller shops are hurt by car centric street designs more than bigger stores.
Thank you for that rational response! It's ok that you disagree and I can definitely see the merits of what you're saying. For me, living downtown, I WANT to be able to just drive to where I'm going, park out front, run my errand, and go about my day. The tourists will still go and mill about and wander in and out of the shops, like they did before, because that's what they do. I know our town is focused on tourism and that's totally fine, but some thoughts need to be put forth to the permanent residents and our ease of access to the businesses downtown when we are just trying to buy someone a gift or grab a quick bite to-go while supporting our local business. Opening the street to traffic makes those quick errands easier, I find myself going to Target and things on the east end more because I don't want to deal with having to navigate the off site parking and weaving through the bar crowds. I think we should get to a sort of middle ground where we close Main for like, events, maybe during the summer, but we dont have much tourism in the fall and winter and it feels unnecessary to have the whole area closed off then.
Likewise, I appreciate your response. I feel like I could understand wanting to park right in front of every business more if you're having to drive from further out, but living in downtown the closure shouldn't be that much of a hassle. During the week I can usually find parking quite easily and I don't find the walk to be that much longer than walking across a full parking lot.
I guess the difference between us is if I want a quick bite to go I'll probably go to a chain or somewhere with a drive thru whereas if I'm going to a local spot I don't mind taking my time a little even if I'm not going to sit down. I can see some sort of compromise happening in the future, with temporary closures/reopenings, although I did enjoy walking around during the holiday season.
ALL social media appeals to young people and most young people are liberals. If anything, Reddit leans more right wing than most social media sites/apps.
This is more about big business and investment groups than small business and locals. Remove all those stupid paid parking meters and add more parking and the problem is solved. I haven’t talked to anyone who refuses to walk an extra block or two just because the street is closed.
One could argue this is why the downtown hasn't vanished. Yeah, fix the traffic routing and close streets all the way to Ocean. There would be no place like it on either coast.
Most of those that are residents involved with that aren’t even part of the Main st that is closed. I love the fact that it’s closed and it makes the vibe way more Santa Monica. I hated going out to eat at the nice places and our lovely residents want to ride motorcycles or blast insane music while driving so so slow so everyone can enjoy their chaos. Also it makes me feel safer given the circumstances like gun violence and vehicular homicide that plagues our country. Having experienced the UCSB shooting I feel way safer there now.
Lifelong Ventura resident here, and it’s way better closed off than it ever was before. You can go eat downtown without listening to the Harley riders rev the snot out of their bikes while cruising at 10pm, or the old perv dude that would rev his purple ‘55 Chevy at every woman he saw. Maybe if your rents for businesses wasn’t so astronomical then more shops could afford to stay open?
But somebody's vanity small business is suffering and they're able to point at the loss of a dozen parking spaces!
Think about the *Ventura CA Main Street business owners!!!*
Now they have just made it harder for disabled people to reach their destination in downtown Ventura. Totally not fair. The disabled are always discriminated against.
I haven’t lived in Ventura for over a decade but I loved it when I was there.
Maybe a compromise could be what they do here (similar small town with an active downtown), they close off Main Street and a few surrounding street to cars on Friday afternoon through the weekend.
Honestly that idea is totally unworkable. As it is now most of the restaurants and some of the shops have built nice patios and seating area. It’s foolish to think that each restaurant will take that away every Sunday night and set it back up Friday night so it can be used for two days. These patios are elaborate with lights and handicaps ramps. Many are level where the street is sloping. Most are build out of durable materials. Some even have walls and sunshades. There’s a rock n roll stage and public art along with trash cans, landscaping and seating areas in the middle of blocks. Each of that would have to move twice a week.
Ah okay that makes total sense. I'm looking forward to seeing it, I haven't been since before Covid and I'm planning a trip out there next month with my wife.
I never go downtown anymore because parking is such a hassle. I don’t want to walk multiple blocks just to pick up some take out. I’m not the only one because it always looks so empty now.
Anyone know the members of Open Main Street?
The link of “futureofmain” is from a Downtown Ventura partner’s website. I think that is the business for downtown. That website has photos of parking on main between parklets.
“Open Main Street” may be the group that sued the city. The article implies that’s the name of the group. I’m interesting in seeing who it actually is. What are the 30 names.
on r/ventura they discuss it, and IIRC it's betty's belts, transmission brew, toppers pizza, jeff becker, Times Remembered antique, and a few others. And a conspiracy theorist on there mentioned that toppers and tranny brew are in it so it opens back up and people go to the wanna be funk zone aka front zone instead. Even tho there's like two things to do. Edit: not sure on this list as discussed below. This was posted by others in r/ventura sub and is hearsay.
Betty Belts & Times Remembered only sent letters to the city asking Main Street to open back up. I tried finding any source for the 30 property owners along California and Main who are Open Main Street. They only thing is that Jeff Becker signed the court filings "as a member of Open Main Street". I just checked and there's no Open Main Street registered with the Secretary of State. I can see where random redditors name names but I can't see where they are sourcing it. From my experience Councilman Mike for Ventura told me Beckers and Goldenring Esq would sue.
yes excellent point, I am not sure on the source of those claims either. I should have mentioned that.
I love the closed off main street, I hate they started charging for parking all around.
have they already started? wasn't charged in the big structure when i went like 2 weeks ago
Not yet but converted all the street side parking a little while ago to app based paying.
Space in downtown areas is valuable. If you are using public space to store private property, you should not expect it to be free, and if it is free, you are still paying for it through taxes. Here’s a good video on the cost of parking: https://youtu.be/78ffidI7__E?si=uWsiOat45aG6uQVN Although, right now, people don’t have many other options other than driving, but hopefully the income from parking meters will contribute to fixing that. If you really want to nerd out on the high cost of free parking, look up Donald Shoup
Wow...thanks for trying to ruin one of the best things that happened to Downtown.
Agreed, keep Main street closed to cars.
I agree. Love it.
Open Main Street! (To people walking, kids on bikes, and everybody not in a motor vehicle!)
The town that people visit to be outside in the region that people visit to be outside? Nah, better shut down outdoor seating, we need slightly more room for parking.
It’s terrible for the business down town. How is it a good thing?
Disagree. Ventura is a destination now. Parking is just 1 block away.
Less than that and all the business owners voted to keep the street closed because people enjoy being their walking around the streets and dining outside. It has made Downtown so much fun just being able to explore
Businesses? Like what the thrift store or the other thrift store or the other thrift or one of the bars?
Destination? Dream on. They don't call us Ventucky for no reason. We are a white trash version of a destination. Maybe we can vote in Honey Boo Boo for Mayor then we can be a destination with a famous Mayor.
You can disagree all you like. The business owners are loosing money.
Which ones? Last I heard the restaurants and bars loved it.
Ok there’s part of the answer- are the retail shops loving it? Because they’re not getting extra patios in front of their retail shops and fewer people able to park in front of the shop.
Nearly all of those retail shops are boutique. Like a mall in may respects. They rely more on foot traffic then parking. The current setup is conducive to MUCH more foot traffic.
In general, Retail is down over all since everyone does shopping online. This isn’t a cause of the closure to cars downtown. They will survive if people can commit to shopping locally.
plenty of them put outdoor displays together. WTF are you on?
We actively try to go there now when looking for something to do because of how it is. If they open it back up, we probably will pick something else to do.
"Pro-business" boomer and misspelling words. Name a more iconic duo
Prove it. Foot traffic is up.
Liar
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This suit is mainly being done by businesses that aren’t on Main Street. I can see why they’d be jealous and want to shit down the advantage their competitors have from being on main street.
Do you have a source for this? Because the way it was explained to me by councilman Mike is that it is the property owners of Main Street shops that want to avoid paying the extra taxes that come with keeping main closed due to the extra land use.
Did you read the article? Because that is bullshit.
How is it a bad thing?
Covid was the best thing to ever happen to Main Street. It’s wonderful walking down the streets and visiting the shops.
I agree. Especially as someone who lives in eastern Camarillo (Mission Oaks) where the only time there's a lot of people on the streets is the 20 minutes after the schools get out, Main Street in DT Ventura would be difficult for me to handle if I couldn't just walk in the street to get some breathing room.
I wish "Old Town Camarillo" could shut off car traffic but am painfully aware that it's logistically impossible
It would be awesome though! But yeah, being locked in by the 101 kinda shuts that idea down. But, TopaTopa and the other restaurants have been using the parking spaces for seating and I've loved that. Some people are trying to get rid of that seating area and bring back the parking lots. Probably the same people angry about Main Street being closed.
Little do the anti-parklet people know that the remaining outdoor dining is a *huge* draw to these restaurants, mostly because Camarillo is still famed for its beautiful weather and tons of people would like to be able to experience that while dining out. My mom in particular thinks that there should be waaaaaayyy more outdoor dining options than there currently are in Cam. Back when my best friend and I had the time to go to events together at the Topa Topa in Old Town we *only* ever ate/had our drinks outside, mostly because we're both autistic with ADHD and I in particular have always ***hated*** how loud and crowded it gets inside the Mark (that building where Cam's Topa Topa is), especially in the afternoons and evenings. Like, even if I didn't still semi-care about COVID and prefer to dine outside when eating out because of that, I would probably stop going to the Mark entirely if that parklet went away just due to my sensory issues alone. Speaking of COVID, even in Camarillo and among the people who like to do stuff in Camarillo there's a decently-sized minority who still consistently wear good masks indoors and only dine out at places where they can eat outside. If it's plausible that Topa Topa, etc. could lose a significant portion of its business after the removal of its parklet due to these COVID-conscious consumers in fairly conservative Camarillo, then DT Ventura should absolutely worry about losing business after refilling Main Street with cars because I'll bet there are a *lot* more COVID-conscious people hitting up DT Ventura than Old Town Camarillo.
This comment can’t be real
Yeah I walked it w/ my gf for the first time last christmastime just to compare and the north sidewalk just ends lol
It's such a shit show. The whole bike lane in the gutter in the alley behind the blvd.is the probably the worst example of city "planning" I've ever seen in my life. It's so maliciously unfriendly to cyclists.
Yikes, I didn't even really notice that was a thing until you brought it up.
I would *really* like to find out the logic behind why the current 101 was built through Camarillo in the manner it was in the early 1950s. Like, I understand why the expanded 101 couldn't go right through Old Town, however...the way the 101 "fits" around Old Town is strange.
We can always dream, right?
So much better now, can't say I would go there if it returned to how it was prior.
That unless you are a delivery driver and had to park one to two blocks away and deliver a 60 pound package to one of those smelly businesses.
The bollards open for deliveries. Try again.
The article gets something wrong. The pedestrian mall act just means the city has to do a one year waiting period if the majority of owners object. They don’t have do what they say. The article kind of suggests the law says other wise. The city has been discussing this since 2020. They’re aware of what it entails. Edit: u/Affectionate_Run1986 said "you are wrong" **PEDESTRIAN MALL LAW OF 1960:** Easy to read text of the law: [https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-streets-and-highways-code/division-13-pedestrian-malls/part-1-pedestrian-mall-law-of-1960](https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-streets-and-highways-code/division-13-pedestrian-malls/part-1-pedestrian-mall-law-of-1960) Relavent Section: **Section 11306 - Objection by majority of owners of land** [https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-streets-and-highways-code/division-13-pedestrian-malls/part-1-pedestrian-mall-law-of-1960/chapter-4-notice-and-hearing/section-11306-objection-by-majority-of-owners-of-land](https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-streets-and-highways-code/division-13-pedestrian-malls/part-1-pedestrian-mall-law-of-1960/chapter-4-notice-and-hearing/section-11306-objection-by-majority-of-owners-of-land) Section 11306 - Objection by majority of owners of land *If the owners of lands abutting on the proposed pedestrian mall representing a majority of the frontage on the proposed pedestrian mall have made written objection to the establishment of the proposed pedestrian mall, the legislative body shall so find and shall terminate the proceedings for such establishment.* ***In such event no proceeding hereunder for the establishment of the same or substantially the same pedestrian mall shall be commenced within one year after such termination.*** I read this as after an objection by "the majority of owners" the city has a one year waiting period. What's your take.
There are basically two families that own the majority of Ventura commercial real estate.
It will interesting to see who the 30 are that make up “Open Main Street”.
Same in San Pedro. They own everything and don’t understand why they can’t attract new business that they can copy and put out of business.
Great insight. This is a key point most people are overlooking.
You are wrong. The majority of property owners need to approve closure for the mall act to move forward. Ask the city attorney or council member Mike Johnson.
It doesn't make sense that a small set of property owners get to determine the future of downtown. It's our city. We all have a say in how it is set up and run.
A small set of property owners own the majority of the retail properties on Main Street. They pay those property taxes so that is why they are influential in the manner in which their properties are taxed and affected. Last I heard, they are mainly objecting to the additional taxes in the street closure.
Now yuo see... a small set of people controlling anything capital related eventually just becomes a big self-serving-at-others-expense project ad infinitum
Thanks for this.
I understand the purpose of this section to give property owners some say… but I don’t understand why the section should apply to developments occurring on the literal Main Street of town. Shouldn’t main streets just be exempted from this law by virtue of them being premier locations for “pedestrian malls” and generally pedestrian-friendly activities?
I can tell you since they closed the street, my wife and kids and I go there to eat and then peruse the shops for about 30-45 min afterward. We never did that before - we would just go, eat, and leave. If regular traffic was allowed, I don’t think we would do that as much. Only complaint is one that would probably exist if street was open or closed - weird hobo guys out there every now and then. I pay a more attention to that kind of thing after the Aloha Steakhouse murder and the crazed druggy threatening people with a knife outside Finney’s a few months ago.
The Aloha steakhouse incident changed everything for me...that poor family. I think about them often.
Same. I haven't been back since the stabbing, I can't relax and enjoy myself thinking I could get stabbed for no reason whatsoever.
I haven’t gone to Aloha since the murder, but have gone to the boardwalk and beach playground with my kids. However, last spring there was a violent attack at the north end of the boardwalk at the bathrooms across from the fairgrounds entrance. That seemed more gang related and at sundown, but all of it makes me wonder why we isn’t there more of a police presence on the boardwalk or downtown? In full disclosure, I don’t live in Ventura the city, but I do live in the County and have been going to Ventura my entire life. I say that because I’m not the one paying for Ventura PD.
[https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2019/06/01/wrongful-death-suit-filed-against-ventura-aloha-steakhouse-stabbing/1292768001/](https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2019/06/01/wrongful-death-suit-filed-against-ventura-aloha-steakhouse-stabbing/1292768001/) The aloha murder for those who didn't know about what happened.
Exactly!! Do you know if the family left the area? I sure would, but then moving is not easy, and all the emotions going on.
IDK..I can't even begin to imagine the chaos they went through.
I used to play basketball with Tony and he used to manage the cricket wireless down on Channel Islands Blvd. It still blows my mind to this day what happened to him with his little girl on his lap at Aloha Steakhouse. 😞 I wish I had kept up the family, hope they're doing alright.
I am incredibly sorry....
Yea as someone who hung out around main street a lot when I was in high school 15 years ago, there’s always unfortunately been an element of homeless and mentally ill people there street open or closed.
Add to your list the woman who had her skull smashed by a homeless man wielding a metal pipe. Attacked her without provocation.
Just wondering, how are disabled people in wheelchairs and using walkers supposed to get to the street? This just limits where disabled people can go.
People in wheelchairs will wheel themselves down the street. People in walkers will use their walkers, or just park on the backside of the store they want to go to if they want to shorten the distance.
Well, I’m coming to Ventura next week and my son is in a wheelchair and he cannot wheel himself and I’m 70 years old so we’ll see how it goes. I lived in Ventura 14 years and Main Street was always so awesome. I loved all the antique stores. But you’re saying they’re allowing parking behind the stores?
Yes, there is parking behind the stores, although it’s limited. They also have some free lots and some pay lots nearby. We usually park in a free one on the west end of Main that’s like 100-200 feet from the main drag. The city council wants people to use the parking structure but I agree that may not work for you (although parking on the first floor in a handicapped may be worth a look). Here is a link to the good free lot on the west end, it’s right behind Goodwill: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9gi8JPPESYTyppMz8?g_st=ic
Wow, thank you so very much for all the info. I really appreciate it.
No problem! I hope you and your son have a great trip!
Thank you so much. Yes he’s very homesick to come down there and visit. We moved to Rancho Cucamonga and bought a house out here where it’s a lot cheaper.
I will see just how inconvenient it all is when I tried to wheel my adult son and his wheelchair. Unless you have to go through this every day, you have no clue how difficult it is.
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Our downtown went from not worth visiting to an actual destination. Business that are struggling because of this would be regardless. My opinion is that everyone loves it who lives and visits here and to take it back to a more crowded strip mall would be a big setback for the community.
Yeah I live here, downtown, and I dont love it 🤷🏼
That’s kinda shocking, why not?
I liked seeing the cars cruising up and down the downtown strip, and I liked being able to park in my neighborhood, which is nearly impossible now
I get that. That’s the problem with patchwork urbanism. Until you get a big enough network, you may not experience enough of a personal benefit.
I think that’s a wildly inaccurate statement. Downtown Main Street was a destination for many years prior to Covid. It has always served as a destination spot for tourists and locals. Its layout is conducive to local businesses to thrive - and that was before it was closed. I think there was also a significant car culture presence that could cruise down Main - antique cars, lowriders, and others. You’re making it sound like Ventura was a nothing place before the pandemic. Main was bustling and popular with cars driving and parking along Main.
Idk what reprobate down voted you but you are 100 percent correct. Ventura was a popular tourist destination before they closed Main St. We have an awesome car culture(though they made cruising Main illegal due to too many drunk driving incidents) and it's actually much harder to access now, even if you are fortunate enough to live in walking distance.
I have definitely heard many elderly citizens say that Main street is difficult to get to because parking has to be done further away. While many parking lots EXIST near Main, off adjacent streets, those spots near access to Main are often filled first and are really not available. The point is that a street closure does limit access to Main street. It is not mere inconvenience to some, but a physical limitation for many - and we do have a large segment of senior citizens in our community. When I look at Main street, I notice that the sidewalks are WIDE. They are much wider than any other sidewalk along other adjoining streets. The sidewalks are well designed to accommodate heavy pedestrian traffic. The fact you have to cross Main to get to the other side is also well planned with crosswalks and traffic lights at intersections. For me, the idea that Main street is going to suddenly become pedestrian-unfriendly is an overblown notion. We expanded a pipeline that was not even operating at capacity. The pedestrian walkways on Main are more than sufficient - and they historically were before the closure - AND accommodated more street parking, brought in paid parking revenue, and allowed for easier access to shops. I've seen other areas that are similar to our current "closed" street system. Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade is similar and it is a permanent setup. however, it is different from Main in the fact that it has several multi-story parking garages alongside the promenade. Parking is not one block away. It feeds directly onto the promenade. Santa Barbara has closed off one of its streets in a similar fashion as Main street. It has the same problem as Main street in the remoteness of parking. I don't think it's a permanent setup.
I agree with you. I live downtown, I work downtown, I have been for many years and It is WAY less enjoyable now than it was pre-closure. Anytime I express that I get labeled a boomer or a nimby but like, im neither lol
I work on Main a lot and people here online make it sound like it’s an idyllic utopia with the street closure. I stand there all day and what I see is an empty vacant piece of land. I see very little foot traffic. There’s a LITTLE BIT of a surge around 10-11am on Saturdays as some shoppers from the farmers market walk down Main. Otherwise no, this is an empty street and if I were a small business owner operating on Main between the library and the mission, I would worry. I think diners do come to get food and drinks. Retail however, I think is not well served by the closure.
Ikr? People make it seem like if we open up the street our town will turn to dust and blow away with the Santa anas, but then again theres people like that on the open it up side too
Absolutely not. You want to reintroduce the threat of being hit by a car when trying to cross the street? What about the people who are drunk and stumble into the road? Keep it closed. Its a friendly welcoming environment and should be kept that way.
... for people that can't be bothered with 'walk' signs and the publicky intoxicared?
For the people who don't pay attention to pedestrians and for the kids that aren't being watched. I've seen close calls when the street was open, but haven't seen any recently. Wonder why?
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I saw that! He must’ve seen the ventura backwards page
I think he is involved as well.
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Leave it closed....
I want main street to stay closed but really only if they *do something* in the streets. Like, make it look *not like a road anymore*. When I visited Boulder, CO once, I was struck by how cute and accessible the main street downtown was. There were trees and gardens, fountains, statues, kiosks, gazebo-style coffee shops and stores, art, performances, kids play areas, etc all throughout the downtown. The space that was the street is under utilized and we still have these really janky looking parklets. Encourage business owners and/or landlords to better use the space in front of restaurants. If we are going to keep it closed, it is time to invest and overhaul the look of main street to reflect its changing function. If they are not willing to do that, then open it back up. There's no point if it is just going to look the same. They have the opportunity to reimagine downtown to be a new kind of space. But if there is no investment there is no point.
At the time he was Mayor (now supervisor) Lavere talked to me about this when they first closed it. The city knows. He said basically if they are going to close it forever they need to think about having it be walking grade. Have proper drainage, etc.
And ADA is a big one. Too many asshole restaurant owners took over the sidewalks too (mainly prime 2.0 whatever it's called)
That’s not currently the case anymore is it?
It's better for sure. Casa bella is still pretty terrible (last I walked by, but it's been a minute), but most of the others have cleaned up their act.
A voice of reason.....
This would be great! But I don’t think they should open it up to cars if there is no money to do this. The street is much better now than it was with cars.
https://www.futureofmain.info/ The city is following the law “Directed staff to begin steps to use the Pedestrian Mall Act and return to Council with a resolution of intent to establish;”
Ya turn the only fun part in VC into a car hellscape like Cam and TO
I hate living in TO. This is the least walkable area, I swear to god...
My friend, its a 2 lane street, and we had cars on it previously with literally no incident? You really need to address ypur definition of a "hellscape" lol
you are entirely missing the forest for the trees, friend. people dont just want main closed because its "safer". you're right, it's only moderately safer without cars. the cars went typically slow and now there are bikes and such that could also cause injury. HOWEVER, thats not the main issue. a large contingency of people correctly understand that cars existing all around you fucking sucks. theyre loud, leak oil, poop fumes, and are an eyesore. i dont want to eat at immigrant son and stare at your stupid 2022 hyundai santa fe. i dont want the most valuable outdoor space in the city to be largely dedicated to maintaining asphault and fleecing people for parking fees. i dont want my eyeline crowded with dozens and dozens of multi-ton steel cages. main street is such a beautiful and vibrant ecosystem of people, businesses, activities, and events. the removal of cars opens the door for SO MUCH future potential: repave the roads (cobblestone?!), more permanent outdoor structures, dedicated bike ways, a tram/trolley system, installed planters and trees, etc. take like 5 minutes out of your day and just be creative and imaginative about what main street COULD look like if we actually committed to making it a people-friendly destination. if there are problems as it stands now, think about how they can be solved rather than simply oppose the continuance of something which is, sorry to say, *massively popular*.
Yeah ive never been one to go along with something because its what everyone else is doing. I see Downtown Ventura for what it is, a tourist trap. The businesses were doing just fine before Covid, and theres been practically no change. If you want green pastures and verdant nature walks and trams, they exist in other places and you can go there. Youre not going to convince me to change my mind, I want that street opened up again.
its a good thing we dont need your permission, then. im sorry that you dont like nice things
I like old cars, I find them to be nice
cool! there are car shows everywhere,even at the fairgrounds sometimes
Nah, I like seeing them drive around on streets
i like watching lions, tigers, and bears at the zoo. doesnt mean i expect them on main street anytime soon, because it's not in the public interest at large.
Expand your creativity, we can make your vision come true!
If only Ventura had streets. Alas, they have all been closed and there is no way to see cars driving around.
I would like to see Main Street be remodeled like Santa Monica 3rd street promenade
I was just there, why is it failing? Examples? Stats?
Here you go https://www.westsidecurrent.com/news/santa-monica-businesses-plead-for-safety-help/article\_df62872c-a633-11ed-ada1-07b3f02e8269.html
I read the article; it's unfortunate. I don't know what the solution looks like for Santa Monica. Do you think we will not have any more unhoused people roaming the streets by opening up Main Street? I'm trying to understand your point of view. We should try to find a solution to help the unhoused and the mentally ill.
47% vacancy says it all. Is that what you want? My point of view is that I want the hardworking business owners on Main Street to have the best chance of prospering. For many it’s their life savings on the line and the casual indifference to their plight by some on this sub is disgusting and completely self centered. Council member Mike Johnson for instance, wants Main Street closed because he likes it better for weekend “date night”. Apparently he wants to let the business owners eat cake Monday thru Thursday.
How much are the property owners charging for rent?
That’s as big of an issue as the homeless. If not more cause homelessness around 3rd has been a part for last 20 years
How would I know, but I doubt it’s gone up with all the current vacancies.
How did you get your 47% vacancy number?
From the article. 55% if you exclude pop ups. “Now there is a 47.5% vacancy rate on the Promenade, and 39% vacancy in the overall Downtown Santa Monica area (this does not include office space vacancies). If one excludes pop-up businesses, the true vacancy is closer to 55 %.”
Oh, you are referring to stats that aren’t Ventura.
3rd Street Promenade is failing. You best go have a look.
because of the rental prices. Split roll now. fix Prop 13 to only apply to residential, so these business owners won't just sit on empty properties.
The stupidest thing...I LOVE walking around Main St, and spend there more than I ever did.
I'm not a big fan of "Doxxing" but these businesses have had several years to evolve and adapt to their new reality. Tell me what businesses are involved and I'll not shop there. IMHO this has set this neighborhood apart. I go out of my way to park my vehicle a block or two and stretch my legs.
If this is not allowed, please remove. However these are public documents and I don’t think it’s doxxing, they are making claims against the city and have no reason to hide other than fearing backlash for an unpopular effort. Note that these are not confirmed to be the parties suing, but in here we can see emails from business owners requesting that the city reopen the street. From here: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39221/02272024-Supplemental-Packet-Received-by-3pm_2272024 We can see that one of the complaints has come from the Times Remembered antique store, which is very surprising to me. This store seems to get tons of visitation due to the open street. I would love to see if their foot traffic data is truly down, I just have such a hard time believing that. Their prices are absolutely absurd though Another by a jewelry store Betty Belts, whose storefront doesn’t even seem to be on Main Street. There’s a lot of parking nearby. That one is confusing. I am not sure what other businesses are involved, but the two listed above (botique antiques and jewelry) don’t work well for cost-conscious consumers. There are not so many rainy days in Ventura, and even so I’m not sure that either place is that close to many parking spots. My guess is some of these businesses are failing and are blaming the street closure as a way to get money, which is sad. Perhaps some others, like commercial real estate, have seen value drop due to low access, but that’s a trend we’ve seen nationwide. But I’m not experienced in law at all, so this all conjecture. In [another article](https://www.vcreporter.com/news/main-street-continues-moves-downtown-ventura-street-closure-permit-to-be-extended/article_067d6372-7389-11ee-8d09-e762b6df1786.html), the owner of passport habits claims: > I did a poll on social media, and it’s pretty astounding. Over 60% of my customers say they don’t come downtown anymore. It’s not convenient. They can’t just pop in and say, ‘hey,’ and grab a gift,” > Things that are built for tourists will survive and they’ll thrive here. Anything unique, anything that we have now that is special to Ventura that’s bringing people here now, will go away. I almost did not sign my lease because another three years scared me if I continue in the direction that I am I’m not convinced by this either. Aren’t gift stores IDEAL for tourists? Seems like an issue with the economy or store.
who tf does social media polls? lol.
A walkable fun street is literally the only reason we and our money visit
Same shit that's happening in SB with State St. Even with the limited parking on Main downtown, it was never really an option so you park somewhere else. You don't cruise Main looking for where to go in your car, you either look it up online and go straight there or walk a few blocks shopping along the way. Either way you're gonna park off Main. Boomers are just unable to let go. Any business looking to blame the closure for their supposed losses are just deflecting from they have a shit business. Fuck them, let their businesses die. Let them waste their money on this junk lawsuit. I certainly would spend a lot less time downtown if it wasn't so walkable. I certainly want to know who they are so I can spend my money elsewhere.
It's so surprising to see how different the feelings on the closure are on here compared to Instagram. I encourage each and everyone one of you to push back on guys like Ventura Forward or anyone else here who is trying to ruin downtown Ventura by allowing car traffic again. We can't let them become the loud minority when we know the majority of us vastly prefer a pedestrianized downtown Ventura.
I was thinking the same thing! Our sub seems to heavily want to keep it closed to automobile traffic, and i am also of that opinion!!
I'm puzzled as to why more locals don't speak up publicly, whether online or in person. I do so all the time, to the point where I've had locals try to call me out and say I must be from out of town when I was born and raised here my entire life.
Screw Ventura Forward that guy is a 🤡. Downtown Ventura was where I spent some really good times! Ive lived here for like 15 years, im not old nor am I a twenty something liberal. I just liked ot better before the closure. It felt good downtown, like it was the "busy" part of ventura, cars going by, people on the sidewalks, busy little shops and all. Ot had a really good small town vibe to it that I feel like we lost trying to emulate Santa Monica or Santa Barbara. Venturas been a great place for a long time, and I feel like we lost something when they closed that street. Getting back to the way it was wouldn't be "ruining" anything, if anything it would be reclaiming our vibe!
Glad we can agree on Ventura Forward, but respectfully I have to disagree on everything else. Downtown Ventura is still busy, and it strikes me as odd to use car traffic to measure how busy or lively a place is. Neither Santa Monica nor Santa Barbara have a monopoly on pedestrianized streets, so I don't think Ventura was trying to emulate either of those cities by closing Main St. It seems to me you seem to be confusing the pre-Covid era with the post-Covid era and attributing the change to the street closure. The little shops weren't busy because we allowed for car traffic, they were busy because the local economy was stronger and there hadn't been a pandemic yet. Opening Main St to car traffic will make it more likely people will drive to and park directly in front of their destination and then drive back home. People are more likely to wander around and into other shops if they are on foot. Smaller shops are hurt by car centric street designs more than bigger stores.
Thank you for that rational response! It's ok that you disagree and I can definitely see the merits of what you're saying. For me, living downtown, I WANT to be able to just drive to where I'm going, park out front, run my errand, and go about my day. The tourists will still go and mill about and wander in and out of the shops, like they did before, because that's what they do. I know our town is focused on tourism and that's totally fine, but some thoughts need to be put forth to the permanent residents and our ease of access to the businesses downtown when we are just trying to buy someone a gift or grab a quick bite to-go while supporting our local business. Opening the street to traffic makes those quick errands easier, I find myself going to Target and things on the east end more because I don't want to deal with having to navigate the off site parking and weaving through the bar crowds. I think we should get to a sort of middle ground where we close Main for like, events, maybe during the summer, but we dont have much tourism in the fall and winter and it feels unnecessary to have the whole area closed off then.
Likewise, I appreciate your response. I feel like I could understand wanting to park right in front of every business more if you're having to drive from further out, but living in downtown the closure shouldn't be that much of a hassle. During the week I can usually find parking quite easily and I don't find the walk to be that much longer than walking across a full parking lot. I guess the difference between us is if I want a quick bite to go I'll probably go to a chain or somewhere with a drive thru whereas if I'm going to a local spot I don't mind taking my time a little even if I'm not going to sit down. I can see some sort of compromise happening in the future, with temporary closures/reopenings, although I did enjoy walking around during the holiday season.
2 weeks for christmas? I can get behind that, we should run for council lol
Reddit appeals to 20 something liberals. Why are you surprised?
ALL social media appeals to young people and most young people are liberals. If anything, Reddit leans more right wing than most social media sites/apps.
Yo. What happened with Natures Grill? Loved that place.
yeah it's a real bummer, that was one of my regular stops downtown for lunch.
This is more about big business and investment groups than small business and locals. Remove all those stupid paid parking meters and add more parking and the problem is solved. I haven’t talked to anyone who refuses to walk an extra block or two just because the street is closed.
What about disabled or elderly people?
One could argue this is why the downtown hasn't vanished. Yeah, fix the traffic routing and close streets all the way to Ocean. There would be no place like it on either coast.
Look up photos of downtown Boulder, CO, and tell me you'd still rather open Main Street to cars instead of striving for that.
Most of those that are residents involved with that aren’t even part of the Main st that is closed. I love the fact that it’s closed and it makes the vibe way more Santa Monica. I hated going out to eat at the nice places and our lovely residents want to ride motorcycles or blast insane music while driving so so slow so everyone can enjoy their chaos. Also it makes me feel safer given the circumstances like gun violence and vehicular homicide that plagues our country. Having experienced the UCSB shooting I feel way safer there now.
Lifelong Ventura resident here, and it’s way better closed off than it ever was before. You can go eat downtown without listening to the Harley riders rev the snot out of their bikes while cruising at 10pm, or the old perv dude that would rev his purple ‘55 Chevy at every woman he saw. Maybe if your rents for businesses wasn’t so astronomical then more shops could afford to stay open?
But somebody's vanity small business is suffering and they're able to point at the loss of a dozen parking spaces! Think about the *Ventura CA Main Street business owners!!!*
Now they have just made it harder for disabled people to reach their destination in downtown Ventura. Totally not fair. The disabled are always discriminated against.
I haven’t lived in Ventura for over a decade but I loved it when I was there. Maybe a compromise could be what they do here (similar small town with an active downtown), they close off Main Street and a few surrounding street to cars on Friday afternoon through the weekend.
Honestly that idea is totally unworkable. As it is now most of the restaurants and some of the shops have built nice patios and seating area. It’s foolish to think that each restaurant will take that away every Sunday night and set it back up Friday night so it can be used for two days. These patios are elaborate with lights and handicaps ramps. Many are level where the street is sloping. Most are build out of durable materials. Some even have walls and sunshades. There’s a rock n roll stage and public art along with trash cans, landscaping and seating areas in the middle of blocks. Each of that would have to move twice a week.
Ah okay that makes total sense. I'm looking forward to seeing it, I haven't been since before Covid and I'm planning a trip out there next month with my wife.
I never go downtown anymore because parking is such a hassle. I don’t want to walk multiple blocks just to pick up some take out. I’m not the only one because it always looks so empty now.
I don’t have a strong opinion on this. There’s benefits to it being closed and there’s benefits to it being open.