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Fact: A vocal minority of citizens are using hyperbole, misinformation and economic fear tactics to oppose a proposal that would restore Silverton's true Town Square, putting people first, and cars second.

Fact: City planning data, in the form of numerous studies, papers and reports from a wide range of sources show a clear trend that pedestrianization of small portions of retail areas, especially in smaller communities, results in economic growth of those same businesses.

Fact: 100% of the downtown Silverton businesses have been misled and scared into believing that this project would "spell economic doom" to downtown, and sign a petition opposing the change, in an unscientific and biased canvassing of opinions.

Question: Why are people not researching these issues, instead of listening to a few fear-mongering individuals?

The City of Silverton is considering closing Main Street to automobile traffic between Water and First Streets and in effect, restoring Silverton's original Town Square, as planned and platted by Silverton's founding Mother, Polly Coon. This will increase the viability of this part of town, putting people first, and motorized pieces of metal second.

Across the country and the world, trained city planners recognize that ours is a society in transition. A transition from a society dominated by fossil fuels and wasteful growth. The data, for anyone educated enough to take the time to read it, clearly shows that these sorts of projects incourage economic vitality.

Contrary to the concept that this would turn downtown Silverton into a ghost town, the facts speak louder, for those willing to take to the time to research the issue.

It's Time that we have Streets for People!