This project is a joke.  They need to plant some trees and make it an 11 million dollar park.

A memo signed by Falls Development Director Sue Truby indicates that Menards may no longer to be in the picture.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/menards-reportedly-pulls-out-of-portage-crossing-redevelopment-1.351544

 

Policy/political/legal aspects of Menard's aside, I found this to be disappointing as it was the only true magnet for people beyond a 4 or so mile radius.  There are simply no other discount home warehouse stores in the area and the closest Menard's is in Massillon.

 

The rest of it is just a convenience factor for those a little further from Chapel Hill.  And the moving of the Giant Eagle is just going to leave more rotting retail space on Graham. 

 

The overabundance of retail space makes any new development - even redevelopment like this - a negative in one way or another.

 

The biggest plus is that it spurred Acme to invest in their State Road store.  Finally.  I almost feel like the existing building should be moved to a museum as an exhibit in grocery shopping circa 1980.

 

Although people will criticize the demographics, I think they should approach Harbor Freight.  There are so few of their locations people are willing to drive to go there, again because there are no discount tool-hardware stores otherwise.

 

My final comment is the movie theater plan is an absolutely terrible idea.  The only thing worse would be a video rental store.  Hold out for something with less tenuous odds of survival.

Mayor: Menards, Cinemark, New Get-Go Likely Coming to Cuyahoga Falls

 

Mayor Don Robart confirmed Monday that developer Stark Enterprises is close to finalizing a set of deals that would bring a 10-screen Cinemark movie theatre to the proposed Portage Crossing site, a Menards to Graham Road and a new Get-Go to Portage and State Roads, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

 

http://cuyahogafalls.patch.com/articles/mayor-menards-cinemark-new-get-go-likely-coming-to-cuyahoga-falls

 

...

 

If this holds true I'm much happier about the overall project since the overall project grew with the addition of the movie theater and the current Giant Eagle will not become a vacant eyesore.

/\/\/\

Another announcement on more speculation...great.

Acme says Falls’ support for Portage Crossing project unfair

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Acme Fresh Market and Albrecht Inc. officials have asked Cuyahoga Falls for equal economic development treatment for Acme’s store being rebuilt on State Road and the proposed Portage Crossing development at the former State Road Shopping Center.

 

City officials said in response that the two projects are not the same, and the maximum amount of incentives available has been given to Acme’s project.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/acme-says-falls-support-for-portage-crossing-project-unfair-1.371423

A couple of new proposed developments:

 

French Mill Run (neither French in design nor a Mill?)

This would be across from the On Tap on State Rd.

 

 

 

Hidden Lakes - Phase 3 (the sprawl continues - great movie title)

The is by the corner of State Rd. & Seasons Rd.

 

Dam removal begins in Cuyahoga Falls

 

By Bob Downing

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: July 30, 2013 - 08:42 PM | Updated: July 31, 2013 - 07:29 AM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: After five weeks of delays because of high water and unsafe conditions, work got underway Tuesday on removing the Sheraton Mill Dam on the Cuyahoga River.

 

Work began about 10 a.m. with workers on a floating barge with a track hoe equipped with a hammer attachment.

 

The dam near Broad Boulevard is 9.8 feet high and 50 feet wide.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/dam-removal-begins-in-cuyahoga-falls-1.417312

New date possible for beginning of Portage Crossing construction in Falls

 

By Gina Mace

Published: August 7, 2013 - 10:17 PM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: Giant Eagle has not pulled out of Portage Crossing, as is rumored on Facebook.

 

What is true is that four years after State Road Shopping Center was demolished, those who pass by the property Wednesday could witness Portage Crossing’s first day of construction.

 

Robert Stark and Stark Enterprises, developer of several area retail centers including The Strip in Jackson Township and Crocker Park in Westlake, has been under contract with the city to purchase and develop the land since 2010.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/new-date-possible-for-beginning-of-portage-crossing-construction-in-falls-1.419596

Falls council buys more time for Portage Crossing developer

 

By Gina Mace

Special to the Beacon Journal

Published: August 12, 2013 - 10:16 PM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: City Council met in a special session Monday to decide whether the Portage Crossing project should be scrapped.

 

By an 8 to 2 vote, council opted to give the project’s developer more time.

 

Stark Enterprises was supposed to close with the city on the sale of the former State Road Shopping Center land by the end of the July.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/falls-council-buys-more-time-for-portage-crossing-developer-1.420679

Big win for market district giant eagle in the Falls. The South section of shopping center is coming along nicely with this win. 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/giant-eagle-s-market-district-coming-to-new-portage-crossing-development-in-cuyahoga-falls-1.421087

Hmm, what does this mean for the Giant Eagle thats around the corner? Is there the market there for both so close together?

That closes when this opens.

Wasn't Bob Stark going to be the hero that redevelops all the surface lots in downtown Cleveland and gave a huge speech on how important urban design is?  Yeah, he's full of b/s.  He's right up there with the worst of the worst as far as sprawl development goes.

That closes when this opens.

Speculation was that the Menard's that was originally planned for this development might take over the old Giant Eagle.

Wasn't Bob Stark going to be the hero that redevelops all the surface lots in downtown Cleveland and gave a huge speech on how important urban design is?  Yeah, he's full of b/s.  He's right up there with the worst of the worst as far as sprawl development goes.

 

What are you talking about? This isn't new sprawl. This is a much needed development that replaces a blighted and falling apart shopping center which has already been torn down.  This is a big improvement and sprucing up of a rather tired shopping corridor.

I was mainly talking about all of his previous developments as I'm not too familiar with this one.  I took a look at the website, and if developed as planned, it would be his most urban development I've seen (I don't consider islands in a sea of parking and sprawl like Crocker Park to be urban), which isn't saying much considering that it looks like surface parking still covers more sq ft than building space.

I was mainly talking about all of his previous developments as I'm not too familiar with this one.  I took a look at the website, and if developed as planned, it would be his most urban development I've seen (I don't consider islands in a sea of parking and sprawl like Crocker Park to be urban), which isn't saying much considering that it looks like surface parking still covers more sq ft than building space.

 

Right, but this is not a pedestrian friendly area. State Rd. is littered with strip malls and across the street is a large Evangelical church that takes up a lot of land with parking as well.

My complaint isn't with this development.  It's with the fact that Bob Stark only does auto-centric suburban development, even though not too long ago he talked a big game about how he wanted to do a huge urban project in Cleveland and then never followed up on any of it.

My complaint isn't with this development.  It's with the fact that Bob Stark only does auto-centric suburban development, even though not too long ago he talked a big game about how he wanted to do a huge urban project in Cleveland and then never followed up on any of it.

 

He didn't "follow up" on any of it because the economy collapsed in 2008-2009 as he was trying to find tenants and financing for his project in DT Cleveland.  It's in the "Pesht" thread in the Abandoned Developments forum.  His "big game" was a great idea and he even gained site control of a few DT parking lots, but he was unlucky in his timing.  This Portage Crossing development even took 5 years to come to fruition.

My complaint isn't with this development.  It's with the fact that Bob Stark only does auto-centric suburban development, even though not too long ago he talked a big game about how he wanted to do a huge urban project in Cleveland and then never followed up on any of it.

 

He didn't "follow up" on any of it because the economy collapsed in 2008-2009 as he was trying to find tenants and financing for his project in DT Cleveland.  It's in the "Pesht" thread in the Abandoned Developments forum.  His "big game" was a great idea and he even gained sight control of a few DT parking lots, but he was unlucky in his timing.  This Portage Crossing development even took 5 years to come to fruition.

 

I know the full story.  I just don't believe any of his spiel that he is actually committed to any sort of urban development like he once claimed.  Somehow Ari Maron has managed.  Even The Coral Co. has done much more urban development than Bob Stark.  Nope, I think he's just another upscale strip plaza developer.

 

Don't get me wrong, this redevelopment is much better than greenfield development, but the typed of Bob Stark developments we're seeing are quite different from the ones he led us to believe he wanted to be involved in 8 years ago.

Road to Portage Crossing a long, sometimes bumpy ride

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: It will be four years next week since Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Donald L. Robart climbed into an excavator to take down the former State Road Shopping Center.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/road-to-portage-crossing-a-long-sometimes-bumpy-ride-1.421841?localLinksEnabled=false

missed this news:

 

New Portage Crossing Tenants Announced; Symon's B Spot 'Backing Off'

 

Developer Stark Enterprises has confirmed new businesses have signed onto Portage Crossing with many more business deals in the works.

Posted by John Deike (Editor) , May 07, 2013 at 06:22 PM

 

Good news is, several new businesses have either signed on, or are close to finalizing deals with developer Stark Enterprises for the proposed Portage Crossing marketplace. Bad news is, Michael Symon's B Spot and Panera Bread might be walking away from the project.

 

At Monday night's Cuyahoga Falls City Council meeting, Stark Enterprises COO Steve Rubin offered a glimpse at the site plan, saying Best Cuts, Cinemark, Fashion Nails, Giant Eagle and Pet Supplies Plus had officially signed onto the project.

 

http://cuyahogafalls.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/new-portage-crossing-tenants-announced-symon-s-b-spotfc011babd0

 

 

Looks like Burger Fi will take the place of B Spot.

 

Cuyahoga Falls Council tables means to acquire liquor licenses

10/17/2013 - West Side Leader

By Emily Chesnic

 

At least four restaurants, including Burger Fi and possibly Aladdin’s, are set to locate in Portage Crossing, and these establishments could include full bars, city officials reported.

 

Community Development Director Susan Truby said the developer, Stark Enterprises, could better market Portage Crossing to potential restaurants with the community entertainment district in place.

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-community-news.asp?aID=20768

Schwebel bakery in Cuyahoga Falls to close

 

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Schwebel Baking Co. plans to shut down its longtime Cuyahoga Falls bread-baking facility sometime next year and offer most of the roughly 140 employees there transfers to the company’s Solon plant.

 

The move is prompted by the planned installation of an additional bread-baking line at the more modern facility in Solon, officials of the Youngstown-headquartered bakery said.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/schwebel-bakery-in-cuyahoga-falls-to-close-1.443018

Cuyahoga Falls council to consider three development projects

 

By Gina Mace

Special to the Beacon Journal

Published: December 22, 2013 - 09:47 PM | Updated: December 23, 2013 - 12:27 PM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: When City Council meets tonight for the last time in 2013, members are expected to vote on legislation related to three development projects.

 

The council will decide whether to approve the site plan for LA Fitness. The California-based chain plans to build a 45,000-square-foot health and fitness club at Portage Crossing.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/cuyahoga-falls-council-to-consider-three-development-projects-1.454454

CUYAHOGA FALLS CITY COUNCIL GRANTS TAX ABATEMENT FOR DEVELOPER PLANNING NEW COMPLEX

 

Cuyahoga Falls -- City Council voted unanimously Dec. 23 to enter into a 15-year, 50 percent property tax abatement agreement with a local developer planning to build on South Front Street.

 

Testa Enterprises is proposing a brand new concept in mixed-use development with the River Walk project, Jennifer Syx, the city's deputy development director, told Council on Dec. 16. Located on the property just south of the High Bridge Glens Park, River Walk is a $9 million project that will include 20 riverfront condominiums, nine market-rate apartments as well as retail and restaurant space.

 

http://www.fallsnewspress.com/news%20local/2014/01/05/cuyahoga-falls-city-council-grants-tax-abatement-for-developer-planning-new-complex

 

Menards back on the table in Cuyahoga Falls

CUYAHOGA FALLS: Menards may be coming to Cuyahoga Falls after all.

A couple of efforts in recent years to bring the home improvement chain to town fell apart, but a new proposal would have the city subsidize the purchase of land near the soon-to-be-vacant Giant Eagle building on Graham Road in order to create a big enough footprint for the mega retailer.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/menards-back-on-the-table-in-cuyahoga-falls-1.504461?localLinksEnabled=false

Property that Cuyahoga Falls would buy to help out Menards also fills city’s wish list for trail to valley

 

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: July 22, 2014 - 09:31 PM | Updated: July 23, 2014 - 07:19 AM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: A proposal for the city to purchase property behind the soon-to-be vacant Giant Eagle on Graham Road would do more than help bring a Menards home improvement store to town.

 

The parcel, which includes the 24-acre Old Mill Pond, actually has been on the city’s wish list for more than a decade, when a master plan identified it as a perfect route for a greenway with rustic trails leading from Wyoga Lake Road to scenic Merriman Valley.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/property-that-cuyahoga-falls-would-buy-to-help-out-menards-also-fills-city-s-wish-list-for-trail-to-valley-1.506955

Portage Crossing on track for November opening in Cuyahoga Falls, developer says

Construction on the much-anticipated Portage Crossing shopping complex in Cuyahoga Falls is continuing, and the developer and businesses are hoping for a mid-November opening.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/portage-crossing-on-track-for-november-opening-in-cuyahoga-falls-developer-says-1.507944?localLinksEnabled=false

 

The article included for the first time that I've seen placement of all the announced tenants:

 

 

 

 

I need to take some pics of it now. The shells are in place and the massing really helps get a better feel for the project. One thing I wasn't expecting is the grade change. As you go down Portage Trail towards RT. 8, the road is probably 10' lower than the elevation that Giant Eagle sits at.

Menards coming to Cuyahoga Falls in 2016

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: Mary Ellen Pyke said the No. 1 question she gets as president of City Council these days is, “When is Menards coming?”

Now she knows the answer: The spring of 2016.

Council interrupted their August recess Monday just long enough to approve a contract that will pave the way for the national home improvement store to take over the soon-to-be-vacant Giant Eagle property on Graham Road.

Tom O’Neil, who does real estate acquisitions for the Wisconsin-based Menards, said there is still a long road ahead of permits, rezoning and design, but barring any hiccups, site work could begin next spring, with an opening one year later.

 

http://www.ohio.com/community/menards-coming-to-cuyahoga-falls-in-2016-1.512759?localLinksEnabled=false

 

 

Good news that it's official now.

Menards coming to Cuyahoga Falls in 2016

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: Mary Ellen Pyke said the No. 1 question she gets as president of City Council these days is, “When is Menards coming?”

Now she knows the answer: The spring of 2016.

Council interrupted their August recess Monday just long enough to approve a contract that will pave the way for the national home improvement store to take over the soon-to-be-vacant Giant Eagle property on Graham Road.

Tom O’Neil, who does real estate acquisitions for the Wisconsin-based Menards, said there is still a long road ahead of permits, rezoning and design, but barring any hiccups, site work could begin next spring, with an opening one year later.

 

http://www.ohio.com/community/menards-coming-to-cuyahoga-falls-in-2016-1.512759?localLinksEnabled=false

 

I'm sorry to admit I'm looking forward to this opening.  I don't care what others say, having a hardware store that is like the Wal-Mart to Home Depot's Target is fine by me.

So you're saying Home Depot is too nice, well organized, and generally not trashed enough to suit your tastes?

I'm a Lowe's fan myself, but I'm happy that is project is moving forward for two reasons. 1) the Giant Eagle site will not be vacant eyesore 2) having a another mega hardware store around will make more products easily available

So you're saying Home Depot is too nice, well organized, and generally not trashed enough to suit your tastes?

 

Yes, absolutely, that is what a person without brain damage would assume based on that statement.

 

Much like with Harbor Freight, sometimes I just need to pick up materials or tools that are cheap and don't necessarily have to be of the best quality.  Or perhaps I need an item that has a low actual cost but has an unnecessarily high markup at places like Home Depot and Lowe's, like lawn stakes.  And, as a side benefit, many of Menard's items are made in the US via suppliers or manufacturers that they own.

 

People don't go to Wal-Mart, Harbor Freight, or Big Lots for the ambiance.  As it stands, there really isn't a full-scale discount hardware store in this area, so I have no problem with Menard's providing that option.

 

 

 

 

Two anchors opening at Portage Crossing in Cuyahoga Falls

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: December 3, 2014 - 09:32 PM | Updated: December 4, 2014 - 01:08 PM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: The two major anchor tenants of the Cuyahoga Falls’ Portage Crossing complex are opening this week: Giant Eagle’s food lovers’ destination Market District on Thursday and Cinemark’s 10-screen complex on Friday.

 

The two anchors celebrated the lead-up to their openings with VIP and friends-and-family events. Giant Eagle’s opening Thursday includes an appearance by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio, who stars on Bravo’s cooking show Top Chef and is a James Beard award winner. Colicchio will be selling and signing his books at 11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. More than 500 free tickets have already been claimed for the appearances, with hundreds more available at www.MarketDistrict.com/Portage-Crossing-Events.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/two-anchors-opening-at-portage-crossing-in-cuyahoga-falls-1.546554

Cuyahoga Falls receives state grant to build boat launch on Cuyahoga River

 

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: January 22, 2015 - 09:14 AM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: The city is planning to build a new boat launch facility at River Front Park, and a new state grant will pay for it.

 

The city received word it will get $116,203 from the Ohio Division of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft for the facility that will allow kayaks and boats a new entryway to the Cuyahoga River.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/cuyahoga-falls-receives-state-grant-to-build-boat-launch-on-cuyahoga-river-1.560539

Boat launch on deck for Falls’ River Front Park

 

2/5/2015 - West Side Leader

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS — The waters of the Cuyahoga River soon will be more accessible to Cuyahoga Falls residents and its visitors.

 

Mayor Don Walters and Parks Superintendent Ed Stewart recently unveiled plans to create a boat launch area at River Front Park, located at 2641 Front St., adding another recreational opportunity along the city’s portion of the river.

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-community-news.asp?aID=25608

Riverwalk, a new housing and retail development on Front Street has some renderings on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverwalk/328272270694399

 

 

New vision for Cuyahoga Falls’ Front Street mall includes hotel and return of traffic

 

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: July 7, 2015 - 08:54 PM | Updated: July 8, 2015 - 06:55 AM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: The Front Street pedestrian mall could get a new 8-story boutique hotel, something officials hope might kickstart a renaissance for the struggling retail strip.

 

Meanwhile, the mayor this week met with firms looking into the feasibility of ending Front Street’s days as a pedestrian mall altogether, increasing traffic and visibility for small business owners.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/new-vision-for-cuyahoga-falls-front-street-mall-includes-hotel-and-return-of-traffic-1.606229#

Very cool.

Cuyahoga Falls Chestnut Trailhead work to begin

By Gina Mace

Special to the Beacon Journal

Published: August 1, 2015 - 07:37 PM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: Work will soon begin on plans for a trail that will connect the entrance to Gorge Metro Park to South Front Street at Chestnut Boulevard.

 

The city is partnering with Summit Metro Parks to create the Cuyahoga Falls Chestnut Trailhead. This is part of a larger plan, called Gorge Terrace, which will create a pedestrian-friendly parkway enticing bicyclists and walkers with new sidewalks and a bike lane.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/cuyahoga-falls-chestnut-trailhead-work-to-begin-1.612722

Menards delaying Cuyahoga Falls store for one more year

 

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: August 12, 2015 - 03:52 PM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: Fans of Menards will have to wait an extra year for the home improvement chain to open a new local store.

 

The company has pushed the opening of a Graham Road location to 2017, Mayor Don Walters said.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/menards-delaying-cuyahoga-falls-store-for-one-more-year-1.615651

Consultant says making Cuyahoga Falls downtown streets two-way would attract hundreds of new investors

 

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: February 24, 2016 - 05:23 PM

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: If the city opens its pedestrian mall to traffic and makes other downtown streets two-way, the area should be able to support at least 25 new restaurants and 70 additional stores, adding up to $61 million to annual retail sales.

 

Also, the city can support the growth of 45 new residential units a year, and a redesigned downtown would be a perfect location for many of those developments.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/consultant-says-making-cuyahoga-falls-downtown-streets-two-way-would-attract-hundreds-of-new-investors-1.664379?

Plans for Menards store in Cuyahoga Falls delayed again

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

This week, the New Philadelphia Times-Reporter reported plans for a Menards store there have been put on hold, and used a quote from a company spokesperson that is almost word for word a quote that appeared in a Missouri newspaper in 2012.

 

“We are a family-owned business and with the Obama Administration scaring the dickens out of all family businesses in the USA at present and with no certainty if the next administration will be any better, we have decided not to risk expansion until things are more settled,” Menard Inc. spokesperson Jessie O’Mara told the Times-Reporter this week.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/plans-for-menards-store-in-cuyahoga-falls-delayed-again-1.673981

Reopening Front Street could be a business boon for Cuyahoga Falls

April 24, 2016 Updated a day ago

By JENNIFER CONN

 

t’s been nearly 40 years since residents could drive down Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls, park their cars and walk into a business.

 

Back then, restaurants, hardware stores, drugstores, dry cleaners and camera shops were among the establishments lining the blocks running north from Broad Boulevard, edging the Cuyahoga River. But after 1978, when Front Street was converted to a pedestrian mall, most of those businesses eventually closed or moved.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160424/NEWS/160419862/reopening-front-street-could-be-a-business-boon-for-cuyahoga-falls#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160426

New Cuyahoga Falls hotel could break ground this fall, kickstart downtown renaissance

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS: One major development has been delayed but another is speeding ahead.

 

City Council Planning Committee gave thumbs up Monday night to the site plan for a proposed Wallhouse Hotel, an 80-room, eight-story boutique hotel on the southeast corner of Portage Trail and Front Street that officials hope will inspire a downtown renaissance.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/new-cuyahoga-falls-hotel-could-break-ground-this-fall-kickstart-downtown-renaissance-1.688702#

 

 

It seem like everything on or near State Rd. has become a boondoggle. Menard's is the latest holding the City hostage.

 

More backwards thinking in NE Ohio.

 

 

Cuyahoga Falls gears up for Front Street makeover

January 29, 2017 Updated 3 hours ago

By JUDY STRINGER

 

When Ali Hovan and her husband, Jon, set their sights on opening a craft brewery in Cuyahoga Falls last summer, they, too, heard the buzz around proposals to restore automobile traffic to the city's Front Street pedestrian mall. Now that HiHo Brewing Co. is up and running at 1707 Front Street, just a few blocks south of the beleaguered pedestrian mall, and the plans to reopen the entire road to through traffic are more of a drumbeat than a buzz, Hovan is allowing herself to get excited about the prospect — both for her new business and for Cuyahoga Falls itself.

 

"I think it will get people off of (state) Route 8 and into Cuyahoga Falls' downtown district, where they will see the restaurants, shops and other new small businesses," she said.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20170129/NEWS/170129817/cuyahoga-falls-gears-up-for-front-street-makeover

^Backwards?

^^How backwards?  You've been posting about this development for a year and a half and this is the first time you've made a negative comment about it. This is actually a very good plan and something that C Falls needs. Opening up that dead 70's pedestrian street to two way traffic is what is needed to activate that area because the pedestrian only road clearly didn't work. I've been there several times and it's dead outside of festivals.