OMAHA- While the debate over whether the Old Market should have a pedestrian-only zone has ebbed and flowed over the years, two factors recently helped push it to the forefront.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some cities have prohibited through traffic on certain roads. For example, in May 2020, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan permanently limited almost 20 miles of residential streets to pedestrians, bicycles and local traffic to provide more space for people to bike and walk. Other cities expanded their pedestrian-only zones to help restaurants survive by increasing outdoor dining space.

In Omaha, local historian Bob Marks helped reignite the Old Market debate in an April 25 column published in this newspaper.

Marks proposed a pedestrian-only zone along Howard Street from 10th to 12th Streets and 11th Street from Harney to Jackson Streets. Marks’ column drew agreement from some Public Pulse writers.

But city officials and business owners say a pedestrian mall in the Old Market poses logistical obstacles, especially related to parking.

Old Market Association President Chip Allen, who is also the event coordinator for Upstream Brewery, said the proposal has generated spirited debate among Old Market merchants. But, he said, a pedestrian-only zone is “something that right now we couldn’t do.”

Marks noted that there are about 120 parking spots in the part of Old Market that he proposed closing to cars. “Who finds a place on the streets there anyway,” he wrote.

The Old Market has 650 parking meters in total, and those spots have some of the highest demand in the downtown area, said city parking and mobility manager Ken Smith.

Mayor Jean Stothert said she hasn’t heard support for the idea of a pedestrian-only zone.

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