They envision enforcing Commercial Drive as a commercial high street with a “stop and shop model.”
This would be supported by street design interventions such as reducing the number of road lanes south of East 1st Avenue from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction, but curbside parking spaces would be maintained to support businesses.
The narrowed roadway would allow for expanded sidewalks on both sides of the street.
Other changes to the public realm could potentially include public art and placemaking features, bike racks, Mobi bike share stations, and enhanced east-west bike route connections.
The motion is based on recommendations recently made by the Commercial Drive Business Society (CDBS) on a “pedestrian-first vision,” which includes enhancing crosswalks at all cross-streets, new street furniture and landscaping, and improving east-west bike lanes.