Let’s be clear. I have always supported the one way as I am tired of stepping into puddles when I get out of my car. I am also tired of not being able to find parking.

I like the idea of having wider sidewalks and more parking. More people out of their cars means more money spent at shops. Let’s be honest, cars speeding through both ways does not equal more business. Just this past week on June 30 I was shopping downtown and what did I see? A new shop open! Now I wouldn’t have seen the new store if I was just driving through. What’s great about that new shop it show diversity! Just what the downtown needs, change and diversity. I have already started talking it up and telling all my friends about the new store front to help bring customers there to shop and spend their money.

Now with the doom and gloom some of merchants are putting out there for the people of Oak Harbor to believe that all store fronts will leave and close and nobody will open down there. But guess what, new store fronts have been opening, new buildings are going to go up. Just because I think it’s a good idea for the community doesn’t mean that I am misinformed!

One thing I will say is that I am one of downtown’s biggest supporters in wanting them to succeed during the construction part of the project. The merchants downtown need to get on board and start the focus on the marketing phase, so it will be less impact and disruption on the businesses. So please get on board to make sure the city is supplying you with a marketing plan that is to your liking.

Downtown will be great and beautiful when it’s done.

Gerry Oliver

Oak Harbor