Action News Now reporter Emilio Del Carpio reports from Downtown Chico. The technology of augmented reality is being utilized to bring the potential changes to life for residents of Chico to look at. However, not everyone is thrilled by the potential changes that the Downtown Chico Revitalization Project could bring.
CHICO, Calif. – Downtown Chico is embracing technology with a new augmented reality feature that allows residents to visualize potential infrastructure upgrades.
The initiative is part of the Downtown Revitalization Project, aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility.
The project proposes improvements like filling gaps in the bike network, enhancing sidewalks, and adjusting parking spaces to encourage walking, biking, and transit use.
QR codes posted around downtown give residents a glimpse of the future by comparing current streetscapes with potential changes.
Kathy Squyres, owner of Country Squyres Antiques, expressed concerns about the impact on traffic.
“By narrowing the lanes to two on Broadway and Main is going to severely impact traffic. The bike traffic downtown for merchants is like 5% if they put those on Salem and Wall Street you still have access to downtown on bikes, but you’re not impacting businesses cause if all they want are restaurants bars and venues, thats what they’ll have,” said Squyres.
Conversely, Lili Da Silva, owner of Lili’s Brazilian Bistro, supports the project wholeheartedly. She has been actively involved, suggesting the idea of closing Broadway to cars to create a pedestrian and bike-friendly space.
Da Silva believes the project could make downtown Chico more vibrant and appealing for shopping and leisure.
She acknowledged potential impacts on her business but remains optimistic, saying Chico always finds a way to adapt.
The City of Chico is encouraging local residents to share their thoughts on the project.
Those who try the augmented reality feature can visit the project website and submit feedback through the contact email, helping shape the project’s future direction and the future of Downtown Chico.