ROSWELL, Ga. — As the proposal to close Canton Street to vehicle traffic remains a hot-button issue in Roswell, city leaders and business owners will meet again to discuss the Canton Street Promenade Project.

It’s been a subject of controversy for weeks, with Roswell business owners taking issue with what they call a lack of transparency from Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson, and concerns over impacts to their businesses.

City council members and the mayor proposed closing the street to cars for several weeks, beginning with Memorial Day weekend, in a push to improve pedestrian access over the summer for businesses to see more customers.

Business owners and residents said at the last meeting that making the changes to the area would not be realistic until a parking garage was completed, in about two years.

While the proposal has been the source of heated discussion between officials and business owners for weeks, some think the plan would help boost businesses, but owners are split on the benefits.

Mayor Wilson said the city wants to work to address the issues, but is also focused on safety.

“Long-term improving the quality of life, activate the already great area, make is safer,” Wilson said previously. “The thing we thought intuitively and logically is that it would significantly benefit the businesses on Canton Street.”

Friday’s work session starts at 8 a.m., with the first hour focused on the Canton Street Promenade debate.

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