What Main Street Can Learn from the Mall

1. Robert Gibbs uses several criterion to evaluate a Main Street, such as:

• placement of benches, trashcans, and trees
• cleanliness of the area
• pavement material
• security and lighting
• parking and traffic flow
• location of specific retailer types (restaurants not facing westward etc.)
• type of retailers
• the left turn rule

2. No, personally I don't think that main street should become a mall. While I understand and appreciate Robert Gibbs' arguments and think that he presents a valid point when it comes to the economics and success of a shopping area, I think he loses the point of what a main street really is- it is the heart of a city, not a center for capitalism worship.
3. I think that the best checklist points for a main street would be cleanliness, parking, natural beauty/aesthetics, and retailer types and variation. I think that ultimately the most important thing should be the feeling and ambiance of a main street and how well it relates to the city and holds true to its history.