Lock Haven’s First E. Main Street Pedestrian Mall Effort Gets High Marks

LOCK HAVEN – City Council members had generally good things to say about the city’s first pedestrian mall effort last Friday and Saturday.

City council spent a good portion of its Monday virtual meeting talking about the creation of the Main Street pedestrian mall from Jay to Vesper Streets. And council members and city manager Greg Wilson pledged to make the mall even better as a downtown fixture through the end of September.

One bit of fine-tuning was announced Monday; instead of closing off E. Main Street at 9 a.m. on Fridays, the closure will be delayed until 3 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m. each Saturday. Wilson talked of further improvements, including establishment of a farmers’ market each Saturday, likely starting by the end of July; also perhaps some Saturday morning tie-in with the Clinton County SPCA. Wilson said the city “welcomes ideas to make it better” and additional music may be provided if someone wishes to sponsor bands at the temporary stage at the corner of Main and Grove Streets (the city summer concert series will hold its first concert at that site on Friday, June 26). Street vendors not competing with existing downtown businesses may also inquire about participating, he said.

Mayor Joel Long said the pedestrian mall concept is ever-evolving and thanked city director of community life Kasey Campbell for her efforts, but said the city won’t stand for abuse of city employees. Earlier, Wilson said there were those who swore and screamed at Campbell as she carried out her duties.

New Downtown Lock Haven Manager Marie Vilello said she did an informal survey of Main Street businesses on Monday and received many good reviews. She said the main issue was closing Main Street as of 9 a.m. on Friday, a problem which will be resolved this Friday with word of the new 3 p.m. closure time. Also the city said that Grove Street will not be blocked off from Water to Main Streets as of this Friday.