The whole idea of Operation New Decatur in 1968 or so was to greatly reduce on-street parking in downtown Decatur and improve conditions for walking shoppers. Construction (when if finally began) began in late summer, with the streets ripped up just in time for Christmas shopping.
It took about a year to complete construction. By the time construction was finished, a number of businesses had given up and closed. The city made it difficult - and sometimes impossible - for shoppers to get into the stores, much less find them if you were new in town. Shoppers HATED the fact that they could no longer park in front of their chosen store.
Operation New Decatur effectively finished killing retail in the Second Avenue area.
Before you block off what few businesses are left with waterfalls etc., ask the business owners what they think.
