While Dorchester village officials should not expect any grumbling about traffic jams anytime too soon, they may want to take notice of the dramatic spike of weekend traffic on Main Street from just two years ago. They may also want to recognize the sizable increase in economic activity created by those who arrive in the additional vehicles. According to a study conducted by the Times staff, traffic on Dorchester's three-block business district has surged 58.6% on Friday and Saturday nights compared to just two years ago.
The Times compared ten random traffic counts taken in 2008 and another ten taken in 2010. The tallies were taken between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday or Saturday evenings, when Dorchester's Main Street (Washington Ave.) tends to be its busiest.
In 2008, the average number of cars or trucks parked in the business district was 12. This year, the average number of autos was 29.
The increase in traffic can likely be attributed to the success of Ben's Iron Grill, Joe's Place and increased community activity at the Legion Hall and Dorchester Community Building.
The extra vehicles mean big dollars for Dorchester, even when using conservative estimates. We figure that each vehicle on Dorchester's Main Street on a Friday or Saturday evening equals at least $30 spent in town on food, drinks, donations, gasoline or something else. Using that figure, the additional 17 vehicles appearing in the business district on weekend nights would translate into an extra $53,000 spent in Dorchester throughout the course of a year.
An extra $53,000 in a town of 650 people? That, dear readers, is economic growth.
A little growth without the other streets being paved? Really who would of thought that could happen? Any one think that it has more to do with the WAY the businesses are ran than the condition of the streets?
ReplyDeleteyou got that right.
ReplyDeleteImagine what new homes or home improvements caused by paved streets would do for the local economy?????!
ReplyDeleteTo the first anonymous. I drove down main street on Saturday as it was raining. I didn't see anyone parked along the side streets, the extra vehicles were all crammed down the middle of (a paved street) main street. Is that really safe? What if a child steps out from one of those vehicles or out from between them, as others drive by? Now that spells disaster.
ReplyDeleteIt wouldnt change a thing, it hasnt, and wont make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI want to send kudos to Ben and Rob for giving Dorchester's main street a pulse once again. Both do a very nice job.
ReplyDeleteAlso I thank DACF for its great activities at the community building. Those volunteers do great things for Dorchester.
Paved streets are nice.
ReplyDeleteGood water wells so Ben and Rob can continue to make good food is better.
David.
how can people post comments to personal names.
ReplyDeletePAVE THE STREETS WITH KENO MONEY! Now that Robby's and Ben's both have KENO and the village gets 7% of all bets bring your family and friends to town for fine dinning, drinks and KENO. Don't meet them in Lincoln, Crete or at the "boats". It worked for Denton, how do you think they paved their streets.
ReplyDeleteThe best food and beverages in Saline County at our 2 venues. Pass the word around to friends and family. We were able to have a Crete teachers group of 50 for supper & meeting at Ben's for supper they did a wonderful job. WE also have had family gatherings at Bert's/Joe's and they catered to us wonderfully. So proud of you two and their staff. Bragging you guys up along with our town!
ReplyDelete