The Fulton Mall's pedestrian walkway has come to define downtown Fresno
"This is about waking up our past and seeing a new vision for our city," said Swearengin.
It's a rebirth she is adamant starts with opening up the mall to traffic and thanks to a 15.9 million dollar federal grant Congressman Jim Costa believes that's now possible.
"It is really a synergy of a lot of things coming together and re-opening the mall is a key part of that effort," said Costa.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx awarded the grant toFresno
"You know the mayor is trying to tell everyone no when is ever down here but there are tons of people down here," said pedestrian mall supporter Abe Jones.
Jones worries losing the pedestrian walkway will exclude those who enjoy the space the mall provides but others think allowing traffic will provide space for the growth that still eludes downtown.
"I think it is great, I think it is going to revitalize downtown and it is going to bring money to downtown and the revenues and the parking, it looks great," said Linnet Siverlind.
The plan still needs the approval of the city council and if opening it up to auto traffic is not approved the city will not be able to use the federal grant money.
"This is about waking up our past and seeing a new vision for our city," said Swearengin.
It's a rebirth she is adamant starts with opening up the mall to traffic and thanks to a 15.9 million dollar federal grant Congressman Jim Costa believes that's now possible.
"It is really a synergy of a lot of things coming together and re-opening the mall is a key part of that effort," said Costa.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx awarded the grant to
"You know the mayor is trying to tell everyone no when is ever down here but there are tons of people down here," said pedestrian mall supporter Abe Jones.
Jones worries losing the pedestrian walkway will exclude those who enjoy the space the mall provides but others think allowing traffic will provide space for the growth that still eludes downtown.
"I think it is great, I think it is going to revitalize downtown and it is going to bring money to downtown and the revenues and the parking, it looks great," said Linnet Siverlind.
The plan still needs the approval of the city council and if opening it up to auto traffic is not approved the city will not be able to use the federal grant money.
