Students propose 'magnet block' and permanent performance space to boost Clinton downtown

Haley House, a senior at Clinton High School, and community volunteer Gary Deacy presented a student-led vision to reshape a downtown block into a pedestrian-friendly "magnet block" with a permanent performance structure to support local businesses and expand the Music on the Avenue season.

Haley told the council the project grew from a citywide survey and student outreach: "We really just want to see Clinton as a magnet destination," she said, describing a proposed site on Fifth Avenue between Second and Third Streets and options ranging from fully closing the block to creating a protected one-way street with widened pop-outs and green space.

The proposal fronts several practical questions. Students emphasized safety and business support as principal goals, saying a permanent performance space would reduce setup burden and could let Music on the Avenue run longer in the year. They proposed short-term demonstrations — using removable paint, cones or chalk — to show community impacts before permanent changes.

Council members and business owners asked about parking and ADA access. One local business owner who serves older customers told the council that additional walking distance could be a burden for elderly shoppers; students said survey respondents were generally willing to walk one to two blocks, but conceded that some merchants remain unconvinced.

Council members signaled interest in continuing conversations and noted a state delegation will visit in July; staff said engineering work already scheduled for the 300 block of Fifth Avenue South could create an opportunity to coordinate reconstruction and sidewalk improvements. No formal action was taken; students said they will provide the presentation to staff and stakeholder groups and pursue continued outreach.