Want some excitement? Try shopping downtown | Our Opinion | May 20

Published 4:08 pm Thursday, May 19, 2011

With the sun finally making more than a fleeting appearance,  islanders are beginning to venture outdoors, yawning often as if emerging from a lengthy hibernation, squinting in response to light they haven’t seen for months. Some are even taking strolls downtown since the improved weather makes sightseeing more enjoyable.

And Winslow Way is a sight to see.  With much of the main street closed to traffic for three weeks, the construction activity appears to have reached its apex. At one point on a Monday afternoon this week, some 15 construction vehicles of one description or another were in motion on the stretch of Winslow Way between Ericksen and Madison avenues.

It looked dangerous out there and probably would be if there weren’t professionals at work. Actually, the action “around” the street is probably much more precarious as the detours reroute drivers around the construction site, creating heavy traffic on streets that aren’t made for it.

Still, with the island population heaviest in the Winslow core area, people were still out in droves whether they were shopping at Town & Country or picking up a prescription at Vern’s Winslow Drug, or merely taking in the sights. Whatever their reasons, there’s no way that a little construction is going to stop them from getting out in the sun.

Two elderly women, for example, were crossing the hectic four-way stop intersection at Winslow Way and Madison Avenue when asked if they were looking for some excitement “Oh, we’re feeling brave,” said one of them. The same could be said for some seniors aided by walkers or canes who were traversing the street or the torn up sidewalks. Fortunately, most crossings had construction workers available to assist them.

There were even a few tourists strolling the street, window shopping while being alert to what was happening behind them. Yes, there was more activity on the street than in the shops, but that won’t last forever. Meanwhile, don’t forget to shop local.