To stimulate economic activity downtown and enhance the public spaces in the Hermiston Urban Renewal District, the City of Hermiston identified development of a downtown festival street as a crucial factor in encouraging a more vibrant downtown.  The festival street, planned for the existing right-of-way along NE 2nd Street will allow flexibility for programmed events throughout the year and will open to traffic when not in use. Additionally, the need to create a gateway into the downtown has also been identified as an opportunity to create a safer intersection. These improvements will serve economic development goals and provide a sense of arrival and place in Downtown Hermiston.