"So the traffic is being pushed around the edges of the CBD rather than letting it go through the middle, and what people are seeing is big box retailers on the outskirts and not the beautiful architecture of our CBD buildings," she said.
Moving traffic through the centre of town would deter undesirables from hanging out in the city centre and offer more movement and vibrancy, attracting long-term tenants.
The central city fountain could be removed to allow road access, but some form of water feature must be retained.
"We have seen in cities overseas that people need water and trees to give them a feeling of open spaces, and they have water walls instead, which is what I think we could have next to the railway line."
Hastings was still a "market service town" where people expected to park outside shops, complete their business and move on.
"I began trading here just before the Whakatu and Tomoana freezing works closed, and that changed the face of Hastings overnight into a ghost town," Mrs Jespson said.
"But now I think the city has never looked better. We have Watties investing in the town, Farmers redeveloping across the road from my shop - which is going to make a big difference to the vibrancy of the CBD.
"Our buildings look beautiful now, we have the art work, lovely opera house and we should be showing it off."
Hastings District Council was looking for public feedback on possible changes to improve the CBD, and Mrs Jepson said they would find the time to write a submission outlining her ideas and thoughts.
