Downtown Los Gatos began welcoming less traffic on Monday in hopes, of attracting more customers to restaurants and shops.
For a few blocks, North Santa Cruz is now a one-way road. So-called parklets with seating for restaurants will soon be installed in the former lane, partially blocking some parking spaces.
The change has been met with mixed reactions. Some residents worry about the traffic congestion and how it might be a detriment to businesses.
"Sad, it's just very sad. And it's not good for the downtown merchants because these people are going to the beach," said Susan Ng. "They're not stopping and spending money and are avoiding downtown."
Macey Kalin is looking at the situation with a glass half full, saying, "If it helps draw more people down here, then I'm all for it."
The makeover is an attempt to lure more shoppers to the area, on a road that is riddled with a number of empty store fronts. If the municipal experiment fails, the change in traffic flow will last only until October.
Temporary road signs were posted to guide drivers in the right direction, but Los Gatos police officers were on hand for additional assistance.
Los Gatos officials posted a link with information regarding the change to the town's Twitter account.
Beach traffic is back--for information on what the Town is doing, click here: https://t.co/sACSmwUCRQ
— Town of Los Gatos (@TownLG) June 13, 2019
