In Dublin, we periodically pedestrianise a street or two. And there is much angst about “oh, but the businesses”. And inevitably a year or so on the businesses on the street are busier than they ever were.
I remember thinking "why the hell are cars allowed on Capel street?" the whole time I lived there. Delighted they finally fixed it.
Really makes you wonder why businesses hate having customers. Or are the businesses separate from the group that's complaining about businesses?
Many of the folks who complain about parking removals 'hurting business' are the business owners who are annoyed that they can't park right in front of their operation. It slightly inconveniences them as a person so they assume it 'hurts' their business overall.
Hah, that's very funny if true and reminds me of the AI CEOs assuming because AI can replace them it can replace everyone.