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The proposed changes presented are less than transformative but more than minor tinkering with what�����Ƶ�s there now. Back-in angle parking and a few more bike lanes would result in loss of a traffic lane here and there. Probably because of cost, tight spaces at intersections and lack of public demand, no traffic roundabouts are proposed.

The proposal included what was described as West Virginia�����Ƶ�s first �����Ƶ�shared street�����Ƶ� along 9th Street between 3rd and 4th avenues, designed as a curbless roadway creating a walkable pedestrian plaza during times of street closures. The area design focuses on optimizing the area for outdoor events and festivals. The project also adds in aesthetics from Huntington�����Ƶ�s history through overhead arch ways on the proposed design of the 9th Street plaza.

The plaza design will also incorporate safety features such as hydraulic or removable bollards as blockades.

A study will begin soon if it hasn�����Ƶ�t already to determine how back-in angle parking and other changes will affect traffic flow. Cameras will go up on street lights to count vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and to evaluate traffic patterns.

Thursday�����Ƶ�s meeting was the first of three public meetings for the project. The public can look at the full project online and give feedback until July 5 for the first phase. To look at the proposed project plans and give feedback go to .

Yost said GAI will host stakeholder meetings with first responders, city staff, business owners and property owners this month to get their feedback on the proposed plans. Yost expects to be back for the second public meeting with a more refined set of designs in late summer.

Downtown Huntington isn�����Ƶ�t what it was when the Baby Boom generation was getting its start. Younger generations have few if any memories of how busy the commercial district was with retail stores, locally owned restaurants, banks, professional offices and many other businesses there. The health of the neighborhood is still important to the city�����Ƶ�s overall vitality. It remains a place for large gatherings �����Ƶ� festivals concerts, graduations and many others.

Every place needs refreshing now and then, whether it�����Ƶ�s a new coat of paint or an extensive remodeling. The plan presented last week is the latest effort to keep the heart of downtown �����Ƶ� and the heart of Huntington �����Ƶ� attractive, appealing and competitive. People who live, work or frequent downtown Huntington should check out this plan and let city officials know what they think. There�����Ƶ�s still time, but the time is limited.