The idea of opening up the eastern end of the downtown mall to parking is being considered by the Downtown Development Commission.

Creating a dozen or so parking spaces on Baltimore Street between George and Centre streets strikes us as a far from adequate remedy to an increasingly difficult situation.

It also would have a drastic impact on what has become a successful arrangement of long standing. Town Centre is an attractive downtown area where people can walk around without having to worry about contending with traffic, and merchants can set up displays and provide an opportunity for outside dining.

The area being considered for new parking spots is the prime location for a farmer’s market that has grown increasingly popular.

It also is the site for other warm-weather outdoor activities such as antique car shows that draw considerable interest and bring large numbers of people downtown.

We remember a time not too many years ago when was Baltimore Street was nearly void of pedestrians, except at lunchtime, and a lot of hard work and thought have gone into attracting people to the area — people who patronize our downtown businesses.

There also are planters, benches and a fountain that’s dedicated to the memory of the late pharmacist Wes Haan, and these things would have to be moved.

Parking does exist in the downtown area; there just is not enough of it. Business owners want parking to be available for their customers, but it’s also desirable to have ample parking that is reasonably priced for the employees of these businesses. They also help drive our economy.

Somewhere, there must be a reasonable solution. Reopening half of our successful downtown pedestrian mall to vehicular traffic and parking isn’t the one we need.