After being closed for the last 40 years, Mayor Don Walters is proud to announce the opening of downtown Front Street to vehicular traffic beginning at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 3, 2018. Cuyahoga Falls residents are encouraged to join Mayor Walters for this historic event in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls.
“I have been reiterating that by opening Front Street to vehicular traffic we can capitalize on the market share that exists because the area is in the middle of a transportation hub,” stated Mayor Walters. “Retail establishments demand visibility and accessibility to succeed. Unfortunately, the pedestrian mall offered neither. It’s been 40 years since cars have driven down Front Street and I am excited to usher in this exciting time of economic growth and prosperity.”
Residents may gather at the Downtown Pavilion, 2085 Front Street beginning at 8:00 a.m. The first 75 individuals to arrive will receive a commemorative bus ticket to ensure that they will be the first to travel down the new Front Street. At 10:00 a.m., Mayor Walters will give remarks and declare Front Street open for business. Barricades will be removed, and the bus will begin the inaugural trip that will officially reopen Front Street. The bus will be followed by a 1978 Trans Am and a new Tesla symbolizing the ushering out of the old pedestrian mall that was created in 1978 and the ushering in of a new day of economic growth and innovation. A presentation will follow at the Pavilion where light refreshments will be served.
An official grand opening event and parade celebrating the new Downtown Cuyahoga Falls is scheduled for Saturday, June 2, 2018.