Redevelopment commission approves pilot ‘restaurant row’ on East Lincoln Avenue, backs $500,000 capital ask

The Goshen Redevelopment Commission voted May 12 to move forward with a short-term pilot to create a "restaurant row" on the 100 block of East Lincoln Avenue, authorizing procurement and an initial activation budget staff estimated at about $87,000 and recommending the inclusion of $500,000 in the commission’s five-year capital plan for longer-term improvements.

Becky (Redevelopment staff) told the commission the corridor has seen substantial private investment and that short-term measures — wider pedestrian space, planters, fencing and striping to allow outdoor dining — would be funded as a public‑private partnership. "We have received a $10,000 grant to help activate the space," Becky said, and JPR’s preliminary estimate puts temporary improvements including striping and fencing at about $87,000, with permanent construction estimated near $400,000.

The pilot would reconfigure the block from four lanes toward a three‑lane cross section (one through lane each way plus a center turn lane) and repurpose some on‑street parking to pedestrian space. Staff said funds are available within the TIF zone and recommended incorporating $500,000 in the capital plan to support the project’s short‑ and longer‑term components.

Commissioners pressed staff on safety and operations. Several members expressed concern about narrowing lane widths to 10 feet given truck traffic on Lincoln. One commissioner asked whether 11‑foot lanes should be retained; staff and the consultant said JPR will revise exhibits to show alternate lane widths and transitions east of Fifth Street. Commissioners also asked staff to coordinate with the fire department on egress and to ensure loading, trash and delivery needs will be served through alleys.

Public commenters offered mostly supportive remarks. Resident Sawyer Landis Biddle said the block would benefit from enhanced outdoor dining: "I've had good experiences dining outdoors at Venturi and ... if the space is enhanced, widened and traffic is calmed it would be even more pleasant." Other residents urged clear signage, alley lighting and strategies to make nearby public parking safer and more visible.

Staff emphasized the pilot is conceptual and reversible: temporary features could be reused if the pilot does not perform as intended. Commissioners asked to be kept involved as JPR refines geometry and asked staff to bring design updates back for review because the redevelopment commission is contributing funding.

The motion to authorize procurement for the short‑term activation and to include $500,000 in the five‑year capital plan passed 5‑0. The commission also directed staff to continue work on revised exhibits that address lane widths, truck turning needs and safety concerns.

Next steps: staff will refine JPR drawings, coordinate reviews with the fire and public works departments, begin procurement for temporary elements, and return with updated exhibits and cost estimates for the commission’s review.