Mayoral Candidate Wants Front Street Mall Open to Motorists

Don Walters has pitched many visions for the city since entering the 2013 Cuyahoga Falls mayoral race, but the plan that's beginning to turn heads concerns the future of Front Street.

Walters' plan, which is still in the early stages of development, calls for the opening of the Front Street Mall to motorists in order to attract more customers and new businesses to the somewhat barren shopping corridor.

Walters aims to work with the city's engineering department to see which sections of the street could be opened, and will soon reach out to Front Street property owners to get their input.

"For a while, I have been asking residents I meet to name five businesses on the Front Street Mall. Few can do it," said Walters. "It's one of the most beautiful areas of the city, it just needs a new plan to bring it up to its potential."

All the festivals, both fountains and the clock tower would remain if the street is opened up to traffic, he added.

Walters, who serves as the Democratic Cuyahoga Falls City Council President, will face Republican incumbent Don Robart on Election Day, Nov. 5 for the city's top office.

What do you think about the plan? Offer your comments below.