Yet another downtown Morgantown business will close this week. Starport Arcade and Pub is the latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, though unlike other businesses that have fallen victim to the coronavirus-driven recession, Starport has plans to reopen someday, most likely in a new location.
Morgantown has long prided itself on its thriving main street — in our case, High Street — but now our downtown is struggling. Businesses in the heart of Morgantown face more challenges than just the pandemic — all summer long, we tracked how loiterers scared away customers, and in pre-COVID years, violent bar brawls kept potential customers away.
There is no single change to make that will fix everything. We know that. But we hope with a new year — and an end to the pandemic possibly in sight — downtown Morgantown will be able to turn over a new leaf and begin systematically addressing obstacles that keep it from flourishing.
Parking has always been a perpetual deterrent to anyone who lives beyond walking distance to High Street. Partly, it’s a matter of lack of accessible parking: There are two almost always full lots near the top of High Street and a smaller third lot, abutting the funeral home, at the end of the street. If the lot closest to one’s intended destination is full, customers have to walk the length of High Street, which can be problematic for people with mobility issues. And for anyone planning to visit a shop or eatery near the middle of High Street, there are no good parking options. Yes, there are some parking garages, but those are a hike away from most businesses (sometimes up steep hills) and involve walking through alleys to reach the main thoroughfare.
And the fact that one has to pay for parking isn’t winning anyone over. Plus, the two-hour limit on many meters leaves potential shoppers in fear of returning to a parking ticket. The city tried free parking early this spring and summer, and, unfortunately, too many people abused the privilege. But lowering the price for parking and extending the time available on the meters might be a good place to start. (Yes, there’s an app, but not everyone can/will use it.) Reliable public transportation that serves areas outside of downtown and WVU may also draw in people, as they won’t have to worry about finding and paying for parking, with the added benefit of bringing in shoppers who don’t have access to personal transportation.
But then we also have to take into consideration the makeup of downtown businesses. There are tons of eateries, most of which are bars, a handful of nightclubs and some specialty shops. The eateries have been hit hard by pandemic restrictions because of their potential to become super-spreader sites. Niche stores usually have a loyal following, but they aren’t likely to draw the general public’s attention outside of gift-giving season. And the bars and nightclubs have long been party central for WVU students — a fact that keeps many locals far away nine months of the year.
This is not to say that any bar or club should be kicked out of downtown. But efforts should be made to make the area family- (and woman-walking-by-herself) friendly. So when we enter the new year, the city should consider appointing someone to make downtown Morgantown a viable option for everyone — locals, students and tourists alike. From more events at the Met Theatre and waterfront amphitheater, to better parking and walking accessibility, to a wider range of services offered. We want to see downtown Morgantown thrive — but it may need to adapt to do so.
