From The Atlantic — The Battle for Downtown From Canada to the Carolinas

Fresno, California, is determined to revive its struggling downtown by re-opening a fabled pedestrian-only mall to car traffic. This has become the focus of intense debate pro and con. For the most recent pro, see this. For an extended con, go here. Now readers weigh in about experiences from other North American cities. 
Read more: The Battle for Downtown, From Canada to the Carolinas - The Atlantic