The Easton town council has nixed the Washington Street Promenade, the planned closure of Washington between Dover and Federal streets in front of the courthouse.
The decision came during a special Wednesday afternoon meeting, a day before the planned July 9 launch.
The idea had been to close the block of Washington Street to create a pedestrian mall and to allow for concerts and other events.
In a June 16 Facebook Post, Discover Easton wrote: “A space for people. The Washington Street Promenade will be Easton’s first real test of a car-free zone, featuring outdoor dining, performances, open-air markets, and more. Look for more details coming soon.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Discover Easton posted: “Unfortunately, the Washington Street Promenade was canceled today by the Easton Town Council. Washington Street will be reopened tomorrow (Thursday) morning without the project ever being able to start.”
To listen to the Wednesday afternoon meeting, go to www.eastonmd.gov. For the MP3 recording, go to www.eastonmd.gov/TempMedia/WashingtonStreetPromenadeWorkshop070820.mp3.
Alan Boisvert says
Surprise!!!! Certainly not unexpected. Too bad the town(Easton) and county(Talbot) cannot look forward and welcome the future instead of straining to look in the rear view window.
Yeap, have to keep those loud carbon-spewing trucks rumbling though downtown. Such a pity. How backward. Shame on the town council. I’ll continue dining at home.
Terry Taylor says
Very sad that one rich individual can make the council nix a plan that was to help the town. Was any one else consulted. My guess no. Shame on the members of the Easton Town council.
Norman Hastings says
This is a story of interest to me, but it’s not interesting enough to listen to a one hour and thirty minute recording of the meeting, without even the benefit (and distraction) of video. The key job of a local journal is to report significant civic news like this. A link to the recording of the meeting is, of course, welcomed, but your journalistic mission would have been better served by a write-up of the meeting as well.
Elizabeth Friedel says
This is such a disappointment. This would have been a great opportunity to support local businesses in a serious time of need and to create a nice, safe environment for locals to enjoy the food and shops they love. Shame on the town council for turning it’s back on Easton.
Janet E McDermott says
Why is it that Easton always breaks the backs of smaller stores? C losing one part of a street will not harm anyone but allow our downtown stores to survive. There are many ways that people can get around this area. If someone can’t they need to use their Google maps. Easton store owners need this n all of the Talbot County should support them. Also this would show possible new shop keepers that Talbot County cares about their small businesses.