Crowds have arrived on Main Street for the traditionally busy stretch that starts just before Christmas and lasts through New Year’s. But some of the visitors may not be amazed by the community’s holiday ensemble. As Park City leaders continue the discussions about the possibility of impr ovements to the public spaces in the Main Street core, City Hall recently released a summary of an October workshop that notes some of the issues attendees listed as they addressed economic development. One of the challenges is described as Park City being “underwhelming during holidays.” The summary provides little additional information about the statement. It mentions, though, the possibility of installing “plug-ins for lighting (e.g., winter market)” under a category that was labeled holiday and event needs. Park City stages large events with parades on Main Street on Independence Day and Labor Day, but the organized gatherings between Thanksgiving and New Year’s typically do not draw the same number of people. Some of the attractions during the holidays this year included the installation of large snow globes, a ceremony to light the holiday displays on Main Street and a window-display contest. Santa Claus descended the Town Lift in another holiday event. A menorah lighting was held along Main Street to mark Hanukkah as well. It is not clear what sorts of ideas could eventually be considered should Main Street businesses, tourism officials and City Hall pursue additional attractions during the holidays. The stretch starting just before Christmas and lasting until New Year’s is already one of the busiest periods of the year in the tourism industry. Main Street during that time can be crowded, there are regular traffic backups and parking can be difficult to find. Main Street was decorated for the holidays as Christmas approached. Park City earlier crafted a series of ideas designed to ensure the street remains competitive with outlying commercial districts. Credit: Michael Ritucci/Park Record The workshop summary lists three other challenges that are also notable amid the discussions about the Main Street core. They are: “Street feels uninviting,” a statement that appears to encompass a broad range of issues along Main Street. There has long been concern about the traffic backups and whether the street could be friendlier for pedestrians. “Main Street not affordable for families,” a critique that has been present for decades. The affordability concern has seemed to stem from Main Street’s reputation as a destination for those seeking boutiques, galleries and fine dining. “National chains erode Main Street identity,” an issue that has concerned Park City leaders for years. The inclusion of the topic as a current challenge is noteworthy since City Hall earlier enacted a rule that capped the number of chain businesses that are allowed along Main Street. The workshop attendees also addressed what they considered to be family-friendly ideas for Main Street. The ideas, as drafted in the summary, are: “Convert Post Office to plaza for gatherings.” “Add food trucks, live music, affordable options.” “Explore economic incentives for family-friendly businesses.” The statement regarding the post office is of special interest. The Main Street post office occupies a high-profile location toward the middle of Main Street. The property covers ground from the shopping, dining and entertainment strip to Swede Alley, making it strategically important as the Main Street core’s future is considered. The inclusion of the location of the post office in any improvements to Main Street would require an agreement between City Hall and the U.S. Postal Service. The October workshop and the summary submitted to the elected officials in December continue the efforts designed to ensure Main Street remains competitive with outlying commercial districts. There is concern on Main Street about losing customers to other districts, while City Hall wants sales-tax receipts, an important municipal revenue source, to remain strong. Park City in 2024 crafted a document called the Main Street Area Plan, which involved a series of recommendations for the Main Street core. The concepts included the development of hotels, the construction of workforce housing and the possibility of aerial connections. City Hall, in the time since then, has taken steps to learn about the feasibility of aerial transit and the feasibility of a snowmelt system. It is not clear whether officials will support the other concepts, such as hotel development and workforce housing, and, if so, what sort of timeline they would pursue. The post Park City described as ‘underwhelming during holidays’ amid talks about Main Street future appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less