Opinion Create a pedestrian mall in Sisters

End the controversy! Convert Cascade Avenue into a new pedestrian mall named Cascade Commons. I realize this isn't a new idea, but my proposal may be unique.

As well as helping to alleviate traffic congestion, the mall could become a major attraction for sunsational Sisters, a gateway to Central Oregon, "the Last of the Big Time Splendors."

This is assuming traffic will be routed west on one-way Main Avenue and east on one-way Hood Avenue. In my proposal, the west end of Cascade Avenue will be blocked at Pine Street and the east end blocked at Larch Street.

The Cascade Commons will be closed to traffic for a six block stretch. However, the six cross streets, Pine, Oak, Elm, Fir, Spruce and Larch streets would still cross the Cascade Commons. An exception will be an easy access to and from the Chevron service station.

A single, narrow paved lane next to the sidewalk on the south side of the Cascade Commons will be used only by fire trucks, ambulances, other emergency vehicles and for bicycles.

Lost parking spaces can be solved with public parking lots just like they have in Ashland, Jacksonville, Cannon Beach and other tourist-oriented towns.

That would leave a three-fourths width of Cascade Avenue to be landscaped with a beautiful green lawn from Pine Street down to Larch Street. A recirculating, meandering brook in the middle of the lawn will wind its way down the six block area, the brook's rocky banks to be landscaped with colorful flower beds.

Small, quaking aspen and birch trees here and there. Attractive shrubbery and even more flower beds.

Outdoor art and sculptures like they have in downtown Joseph, Oregon. Wooden benches placed brookside, several wooden footbridges to cross the brook, Western theme-type street lighting.

Some larger cities have had the problem with the over-gathering of young people downtown, but I doubt that would be of concern in this small, tourist-oriented town.

The proposed Commons will allow widened sidewalks for improved pedestrian and better access to all the shops.

Less hassle with traffic. Can you imagine how delightful it will be for the shops fronting on the attractive Commons?

Motorists driving along Hood and Main avenues will readily notice what's happening over on the attractive and busy Cascade Commons pedestrian mall. They will see the sheer natural beauty of the Commons, crowds of shoppers, outside diners, all enjoying the outdoor activities. This will cause tourists to stop, park, join in and to shop, shop, shop!

It will help to achieve the town's economic goal for a year-round income.

All that increased business activity should ease the present concerns of some of the downtown merchants.

All 80 shops and businesses in the 20-block downtown area, including those on Hood and on Main avenues, will directly benefit from the Commons.

It will create an even larger sense of pride among the family-friendly citizens.

Travel magazine articles, news feature stories and TV segments will focus on the refreshing and beautiful Commons when describing sun-splashed Sisters. It in itself will draw more people to the town.

Since Cascade Avenue is also a state highway, this is actually a most opportune time to rejuvenate Cascade Avenue.

It would be timely for the business community and the citizens of Sisters to end this polarized controversy and unify behind a win-win proposal.

Robert Morey is a resident of Eugene and a long-time, frequent visitor to Sisters.