Advisory board discusses parking maps, good‑neighbor policy and festival planning as D3 work continues

The Main Street Advisory Board spent multiple agenda items on operational issues tied to the D3 construction and upcoming events, including a Good Neighbor policy refresh, block-by-block parking/navigation maps, a utility survey referral, and festival planning.

Good Neighbor policy: staff (S4) said an existing Good Neighbor policy addresses parking etiquette, contractor unloading, restrictions on trailers and sidewalk-smoking rules (25 feet from doors). Members recommended re-distributing and updating the policy in concise form, adding links to sidewalk-dining and other guidance, and including it in new-business packets and periodic downtown updates.

Parking and wayfinding: staff described an online parking map and a proposed block-by-block navigation map to help first-time visitors find free lots and business entrances during construction. Members urged proactive sharing of maps for festivals and special events and recommended pinned event posts on Facebook and quick temporary signage when construction affects access.

Utility survey: the board agreed to send a draft business utility survey (to gather carrier and rate information) to the Economic Vitality Committee for deeper study and possible group-rate outreach; that referral was approved by voice vote.

Festivals and D3 impacts: staff also updated the board on Rhythm & Rails scheduling (target Sept. 12) and Doc Holiday festival logistics, describing vendor layout, efforts to include Choctaw Nation and the Bridal Museum, and the need to adapt plans if road openings slip. Construction constraints on Fannin and other blocks were highlighted as operational concerns for deliveries and customer access.

Next steps: staff and committees will finalize the Good Neighbor revisions, publish parking navigation resources for events, and the Economic Vitality Committee will take up the utility-survey work.