Eastern Avenue's Future: A Road Closure and the Fight for Eastown's Parking
The Wealthy Street area is set to experience a temporary road closure, but this is just the beginning of a larger transformation. From November 5th at 7 a.m. to November 10th at 8 a.m., a section of Eastern Avenue SE, spanning from Cherry Street to Wealthy Street, will be closed for essential repairs. City workers will be busy fixing damaged concrete around manholes, ensuring the safety and functionality of the road infrastructure.
During this closure, drivers are advised to follow a simple detour: Northbound traffic should take the route from Cherry Street to Diamond Street and then to Wealthy Street, while southbound drivers should travel from Wealthy Street to Diamond Street and then to Cherry Street. These temporary adjustments will help keep the area moving smoothly during the repair period.
However, this road closure is just a prelude to a more significant change. Between 2026 and 2028, more sections of the Wealthy Street corridor will close as part of a city-led revitalization project. This project aims to transform the area, but it has sparked controversy, particularly among business owners in the Eastown neighborhood. The plans include eliminating parking spaces, a move that has caused outrage and concern for the local businesses' survival.
The city's ambitious vision for the area's future is clear, but it has raised questions about the balance between urban development and the needs of the community. As the road closure affects daily commutes and local businesses, it serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between infrastructure projects and the well-being of the neighborhoods they serve. The coming years will be crucial in determining the success of this revitalization effort and the fate of Eastown's parking spaces.
