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Richard Piatt ReportingA popular Salt Lake City neighborhood shopping district is going through some major changes, and some people are wondering if those changes are for the better.
9th and 9th use to be a hotspot. Today we found a single pedestrian. Part of the reason is a popular hangout is relocating. Also, the streets and sidewalks are torn up. 9th and 9th is changing.
Mary Peterson: "It looks pretty bad. I think I might have gotten a flat tire coming in here the other day."
It is less than welcoming, for now. Parking is limited and it's a little messy. The good news is all that is temporary. It's just part of nearly two-million dollars in upgrades the entire area.
From eighth east to tenth east along 9th south, there will be new sidewalks and landscaping, a traffic island closer to the 9th and 9th intersection, traffic and crosswalk lights, street lights and more parking spots. For business owners, the future could depend on surviving the temporary chaos.
Joe Maughan, Owner, The Vug: "The layout for this project looks good. They're putting in extra parking which is a bonus. Parking has always been an issue here."
For a while there was talk about a roundabout in the intersection. That idea is now gone; instead a mosaic will go in, artwork that will be a permanent part of the intersection. The mosaic will be created by a local artist and other art work will be worked into the area as well.
It's the kind of atmosphere the 9th and 9th reputation was built on that people appreciate.
Steve Gold: "Very much. I'm really glad the city is taking the effort to enhance it and preserve it. I think it's well worth doing."
Mike Marcus, Owner, Cahoots: "The atmosphere is something you don't get in other places. It's a laid back, nice little area."
This community actively fights to keep that character, too, resisting chain operations wherever possible.
Chris Johnson, East Central Community Council: "There were rumors that a Blockbuster is going in. That's just not true. We're going to see local business, small business come first."
And most of those businesses are dedicated, too. The Coffee Garden will reopen in a new space soon.
There's a lot of work behind the scenes to not just keep the 9th and 9th reputation, but to build on it. City officials say the 9th and 9th project will take about five months.
