Business owners on Elm Street in New Haven are fighting to preserve their loading zones as plans for a dedicated bus lane take shape. The proposed bus lane, part of a forthcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative, would replace parking and loading spots along the downtown portion of Elm Street.

Concerns Over Parking and Loading

Ellen and Joshua Kebabian, owners of Kebabian’s Rugs, are among the business owners who are concerned about the potential loss of their loading zone. "Eliminating this access would force employees and customers to either carry large, heavy rugs across active traffic lanes or to stop and load illegally in a bus or travel lane," Joshua Kebabian said.

The Kebabians and other business owners met with city officials and consultants to discuss their concerns. The city is proposing to move existing parking on Elm Street from the odd-numbered side of the street to the even-numbered side, and to eliminate on-street parking between Church Street and York Street. The plan would result in a net loss of 44 parking spaces downtown.

Business Owners Seek Compromise

While some business owners expressed interest in finding a compromise, others were skeptical about the value of investing in dedicated bus lanes. "We are destination businesses," said Vince Ferrucci, owner of Ferrucci Fine Men’s Clothier. "If you look at the demographics of the people who actually put money into this city, they don’t walk. They drive."

The business owners are seeking a solution that would balance the needs of their customers and employees with the city’s goal of improving public transportation. "We support improving public transportation and making bus service more reliable in New Haven," Joshua Kebabian said. "But the current proposal poses a serious threat to the ability of businesses on Elm Street to operate."

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.