Pipe failure gives Palmer an opportunity

With Colony Days just past, a lot of people in Palmer are thankful the water main that burst last week didn’t happen any sooner. The effect, though, is about the same. The main drag was closed down for the parade and is now closed, partially, because of the pipe break.

The two should have downtown Palmer merchants, the chamber of commerce and city officials thinking about closing downtown to foot traffic only more often.

Palmer bills itself as a pedestrian community, so why not close down a portion of South Alaska Street in the summer months? It would give tourists a chance to leisurely check out the small shops and locals could get in a little exercise by parking off-street and walking downtown. More street fairs like Friday Fling could take place to attract visitors from the rest of the Valley.

Merchants could put tables out with samples of their wares. The local dress shop could dress up a mannequin in all its finery. Bars and restaurants could entice customers with samples of their food.

The atmosphere of the town could change during the summer.

The hole in the road is an inconvenience for people accustomed to driving straight through town, but that’s all it is — an inconvenience. There are plenty of side streets to drive around the hole. It takes a little more time, but Palmer isn’t L.A. where if you miss one off-ramp, you end up in San Diego.

People often complain Palmer has a parking problem. Not true, unless you thinking a parking problem is pulling up in front of the place you want to shop and find the spaces full. That’s a parking inconvenience.

There are numerous parking lots behind most of the stores and there are lots across the tracks at the depot and near there. People need to get used to walking a couple of blocks instead of driving in circles until the see a space they like.

The real parking problem in Palmer is allowing vehicles, especially large pickups and vans, to park so close to intersections. To get on South Alaska Street from a side street downtown requires actually driving part way into the street to see if traffic is approaching. The city should require setbacks farther from the corners so drivers can see traffic before they are in the traffic.

The giant hole in the street is a good opportunity for people in Palmer to ponder a new way of seeing their city.