Comments from Mr. Furtner, who, as a business owner downtown, doesn't feel that the parking spots in the two downtown blocks proposed are not critical to specific customers. Patrons who shop at big box stores don't always get to park close to the doors; they may actually have to park in the back area of the lot and walk a long way to get to the store.
Mr. Furtner further commented that a shuttle service could improve public transportation and attract more people downtown.
Mr. Furtner added that when there are downtown programs and events, the business owners in the downtown area do not see an increase in revenue because people are attending for the event only. If these events and programs could be created more strategically to help show the community that downtown is safe, patrons could frequent restaurants and shops and then come back.