The city of Birmingham is currently conducting a feasibility study on transforming portions of 20th Street into a pedestrian- and public-transit-only corridor.

Supporters of the idea say it could boost retail foot-traffic for businesses along 20th Street, which has long been one of downtown Birmingham’s key corridors.

It’s a concept that has worked in other cities, and an idea that has the support of Birmingham City Council President Johnathan Austin.

Although the city is currently studying closing…