The change comes as part of the city’s ongoing effort to transform the flow of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic downtown to improve safety in the area. Orange Avenue, plus Central Boulevard and Pine Street, will open to traffic while maintaining pedestrian access to sidewalks.
The city says the streets will be open in the evening, although it does not provide specific times.
Efforts to reopen Orange Avenue in phases began in November, following increased safety concerns stemming from a fatal shooting that occurred in the area during a Halloween celebration.
The phased approach, the city says, has been guided by goals like ensuring pedestrian safety, supporting local businesses and advancing the DTO Action Plan, which was put into place to improve the flow of downtown’s traffic and public spaces. City officials aim to maintain the area’s economy while “eliminating the street party atmosphere,” a release reads.
Other moves made toward a safer downtown include increased presence of and funding for law enforcement officers, expanded SAFE program, improved lighting and limiting alcohol sales from midnight to 2 a.m. in the downtown entertainment district.
The city says more changes are on the way.
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This article appears in Feb 5-11, 2025.