The owners of Ventura’s most prominent downtown spots have a clear message for City Council: The debate is over, so stop acting like it isn't.
In a series of powerful public testimonies, the entrepreneurs behind staples like Fluid State, Paradise Pantry, Bellringer Brewing, and Findings Market made it known that they aren't just "surviving" the closure, they are thriving because of it.
These business owners are pushing back against what they describe as a "misinformation campaign" fueled by false narratives and online trolls.
They pointed out that their sales have significantly increased since Main Street went pedestrian-only, with some reporting that their numbers doubled after moving to the car-free zone. For them, the threat isn't the lack of cars; it's the lack of "consistency and clarity" from city leaders that makes it impossible to plan for the future.
Small businesses are ready to drop major capital on permanent outdoor "parklets" and aesthetic upgrades to transform downtown into a world-class destination. However, they warned that this investment is currently paralyzed by "endless discussions" and the fear that the Council might waffle on its September 2025 decision.
As one owner put it, the city needs to lead with a "steady hand" and focus on construction and implementation rather than reopening a policy debate that has already been settled by a decisive 6-1 vote.
The retail perspective from Findings Market offered a sharp reality check: you can’t out-convenience Amazon.
The future of downtown retail isn't about curb-side parking; it’s about creating a "sensory experience" and a sense of discovery that people can't find behind a screen.
These owners are begging the Council to stick to the vision they approved and stop letting "false hope and false promises" from the past distract from the growth of the future.