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Flyer in the window of the Hirons Drug Store on Franklin Boulevard explaining the proposed street change and how it will affect the store.
Eugene, Oregon — A business owner is sounding the alarm about proposed changes to Franklin Boulevard in Eugene.
The city of Eugene is trying to redesign its busy boulevard. The latest project design shows several roundabouts replacing intersections with traffic lights and adding a second his EmX dedicated lane.
Illustration of the proposed changes to Franklin Boulevard in Eugene.
Hirons Drug Store on Franklin Boulevard posted a sign in its window stating that the proposal could adversely affect the store.
Owner John Hillons said drivers heading west on Franklin Boulevard will need to take the new roundabout on Walnut Street to the store through the Fairmount neighborhood.
He said the roundabout was an unnecessary addition and that things should remain as they are.
“Franklin Boulevard was never broken,” he said. “Why are you trying to fix something you don’t know very well?”
He said he was concerned that customers coming from the west would have trouble entering the store, ultimately affecting business.
“You’re going to have fewer customers–it’s going to be harder, aren’t you?” he said. “Market of Choice, let’s make it harder to enter Hirons? No problem going to Costco or Winco.”
Shopping baskets stacked at Hirons Drug Store on Franklin Boulevard.
When faced with two options, customers would choose the most convenient option, he said.
“Would it be more convenient to go to Hillyard and 30th, 18th, Oak Street, or would you like to fight a roundabout battle?” “Insane Roundabout of Walnut Street and Franklin Boulevard”
As of Monday, the city of Eugene has not yet responded to a request for comment on the matter.
Hillons said property developers are already reaching out to redevelop the Plaza. He says he’s not interested, but if profit margins take a hit, he may need to reconsider.
The city is hosting an open house on the Franklin Boulevard project on Thursday, February 2 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Ford Alumni Center on the University of Oregon campus. For more information on open houses and projects, visit the City of Eugene website.
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