One downtown business owner believes the city is missing an opportunity by closing down the pedestrian mall on September 7.

Bob Hallett says while businesses didn’t see a huge bump in revenue from the pilot project, the pedestrian mall was successful in bringing people back downtown. He fears the city might have wrecked an opportunity to make Water Street the center of St. John’s again.

What a colossal disappointment. https://t.co/wgZY34AtCO

— Bob Hallett (@bobhallett) August 31, 2020

He says many business owners, including himself, and a swath of the general public who loved the pedestrian mall are scratching their heads as to why it’s ending. Hallett says the city hasn’t made any compelling arguments, and people are dismayed to see the pedestrian mall come to an end.

The city says it was pleased with the support shown for the project, but felt it important to keep their commitment to the original end date. It plans to work with the business community to further develop the pedestrian mall and continue the concept next year.

In a year with no tourists and tight finances, Hallett says many businesses were hoping the mall would last until shortly after Christmas.

Related Story:

City Looks at Future Improvements as Pedestrian Mall Pilot Nears End