Welcome to the fourth edition of Voices of Downtown, a collection of recent comments from our readers, which we'll continue to share from time to time.

City staff propose three transit alternatives for Nicollet Mall pedestrianization

With the removal of the buses off of Nicollet, it is time to bring the Nicollet-Central Subway idea into play. It serves as a way to move lots of people while still keeping the pedestrian mall idea into play. It could also help to bring more investment into the corridor and revitalize the streetscape and get more tenants in the buildings, given the new transportation option. – Seth Bose

On my commute home to Uptown, I can take the 17 on Nicollet or 4 or 6 on Hennepin. I would rather wait 15 minutes for the 4 or 6 than take the 17 immediately, because the trip will take the same time, even though the 17 trip is only a quarter-mile longer. I welcome moving buses off of Nicollet because they are just painfully slow. – Sam

Doesn’t moving buses off of Nicollet reduce the number of people rather than increase the number of pedestrians? Also, having buses on the mall, especially at night adds to a sense of security and safety. If I’m walking home on the mall at night, having buses drive by is nice when there are not many people out to provide safety. Also, if you have to walk from Nic Mall to Marquette or Third after a night out on the mall, that does not sound smart or safe. You also have four high-rise condos on 12th between Nic and Yale – that’s a lot of people invested in the neighborhood, some of whom you would be moving public transit away from. – Dawn

With the new plan the mall will attract even more homeless, drunks snd undesirables. Who do you think will be occupying any nice seating? Same bunch as now, but more of them. No “normal” people. – Steven Schwartz

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Artists will fill vacant storefronts on Downtown West-Loring Park border through new City pilot

I do love the idea of supporting artists, but when it comes to selecting specific buildings or areas to support without a selection process that is open to all struggling property owners, then it seems unfair. I have been in contact with Vibrant Storefronts, the Downtown Council, and City organizers, asking for help to fill vacant space created by riots and lockdowns for three years. When I see this article, I wonder how it was decided to favor Harmon Place? – Bill Himmelwright

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Hennepin Healthcare refines HCMC expansion plans

I’ve been a patient of HCMC for over 20 years. I especially appreciate the new clinic building, with basement parking for most of my appointments. I walk with problems after three hip surgeries. Since the pandemic, I don’t like that doors are not open on Seventh Street, as it’s a very long walk to visit patients in the hospital. I currently use the infusion center, which is a very long walk. I am glad you are updating some of the buildings, especially the parking ramp on Chicago and Eighth, as it’s such an ugly building. I continue to appreciate all the services I receive at HCMC. – Sheryl Furness