We believe the Water Street Bridge and Water Street should Not be closed permanently. The long standing Bridge serves as one of the main entrances into the beautiful downtown area. Closing it would disrupt the flow of traffic and create traffic and parking problems, especially for the businesses surrounding Bridge Square and the West Side. This includes the Post Office which many depend on for easy access. When one drives across the bridge, one see's the beauty of the Dam, Mill and all of Bridge Square. This is attractive to many visitors, and provides a unique small town charm. Please keep the streets around Bridge Square open as they are at present.

I would like to comment in favor of Option A, Permanent or temporarily closing off Water St between the Post Office and 4th St to accommodate picnic tables and encourage more outdoor recreation and dining spaces. We have heard from many of our businesses that feel that closing off the 4th St bridge (Option B) would be bad for small businesses on the west side of the river. It creates confusion with driving and parking and doesn't allow people easy access to and from those businesses. We have also heard from residents and businesses that feel that Option C, closing off Water Str, Bridge Sq St and the 4th St Bridge would be less than desirable. Businesses along Bridge Sq St would lose parking spaces vital to their businesses. Community members would also lose access to the post office.

Closing off Water would have the least impact on our small businesses along Bridge Sq and have the most impact on our restaurants who could direct patrons to the additional seating located there.