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Reactions to roundabout mixed

Some downtown business owners say it has hurt business, others says it has had little impact.

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer 8:16 PM Saturday, January 2, 2010

URBANA — A roundabout designed to improve traffic flow through downtown Urbana seems to be doing the job, but area business owners are still not sure what to think of the project several months after it was installed.

In September, the roundabout was installed in Monument Square as part of the Scioto Street Enhancement Project, with the goal of improving traffic flow. Previously, lights at the intersection caused traffic to back up through the downtown, a situation which seems to have eased since the roundabout, according to city officials.

Reactions have been mixed for businesses nearby, however. While some said the project has cost them customers, others said it has had little impact on their business.

John Carmazzi, who owns Carmazzi’s Candy and Deli, 100 S. Main St., said the roundabout has been bad for business.

While he noted he has a loyal base of customers, some of the older clients in particular have been reluctant to walk through the square because traffic flows more quickly. “They’re just afraid to come downtown, especially some of my older clients,” he said.

In other cases, he said potential customers are passing through the square quickly and not stopping at local businesses.

While he said he hopes customers get used to it eventually, things are tough for now.

Others, such as Julie Fannin, said the roundabout hasn’t made much of a difference one way or another. Fannin, of Willman Furniture Co., 215 N. Main St., said the location of the business may make the roundabout less of an issue for her business. It sits outside the square.

“I don’t think it’s affected our business,” she said.

Chuck Jones, owner of Catfish Jones, said the roundabout has been successful in improving traffic flow. He has seen a slight drop in business since it was installed, he said, but some of those customers are already starting to return.

He said the roundabout may have been a good idea, but he was unsure about the timing since many businesses are already struggling with the economy.

At Cafe Paradiso, owner Pat Thackery said he’s been pleased with the roundabout so far. He said it hasn’t had much of an impact on his restaurant, and the city’s downtown seems to be cleaner and quieter without the stopped traffic.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s cleaner and it’s smoother,” he said.

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