Two-way Front Street concerns, one year later

It has been about a year and a half since Front Street stopped being one way.

In order to widen the road, seventeen parking spaces were eliminated. City leaders said the two-way road is part of Wilmington’s Vision 20/20 plan. This plan aims to help improve traffic on the road, and inside Front Street shops.

Some business owners said the conversion has brought more customers. Others say traffic is too congested, and it is not safe for pedestrians.

Paul Brown, a Front Street business owner said, “I have seen the more chaotic nature of the street now, as people are trying to negotiate left turns at red lights.”

A CFCC student said, “And there’s a lot of crazy drivers out in this world today, so I would prefer it be just a one way.”

Wais Nasser is another business owner. He said that as a driver he likes it two way.

A spokesperson for the city of Wilmington says there have not been many complaints about the conversion.

The project cost the city $290,000.