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GoogleThe topic arose at Tuesday's special called study session, with city manager Ed Craig pointing out that a decision to change the direction to inbound only traffic for 60 days was put on hold following a discussion after a study session, which led to a decision to "let it slide" until the next council meeting.
However, the topic never moved forward with the council since members Jean Pruitt and Lee Roy Cunningham were absent for the meeting when they were supposed to vote.
Craig said the city was ready to move forward on the direction change, but added he was getting the feeling that the council wanted to discuss it once again.
Police have told council members in previous meetings that the street does not need to be inbound toward the square due to safety issues with nearby McGrew Street, which some drivers use as an alternate route.
Councilman Thomas Landers said the opinion of merchants on Depot Street was "about 50/50" to either leave the road the way it is now or put it back as a two-way street.
Other council members said merchants they have heard from wish to keep it one way, but are undecided on the direction.
"You know, I think we made a mistake messing with it in the first place," councilman Al Stephenson said.
Mayor Wallace Cartwright said that merchants do not want McGrew Street closed because that is where they enter a parking lot for the area.
Randy Sadler of Shelbyville Record Shop on Depot Street said he doesn't care which way the direction is but has a problem with the parking on the street.
"Backing out is dangerous," Sadler said. He also said that the council needs to listen to the advice of the police department regarding the safety issues with Depot and McGrew streets.
Stephenson agreed with Sadler, saying he attempted to back out of one of the parking spots and was nearly hit.
The topic will be on the agenda of the council regular council meeting, set for 6 p.m. on Aug. 13.
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Personally, I like the way it is. More parking is available for the evening movies and no oncoming traffic toward the courthouse on that stretch of road makes it safer than before the change. I think no parking on the right side of the road leaving the square should be a rule.
Why not take the empty lot where the building was torn down and put parking there.Put traffic both ways and have the lot empty out from the back not on Depot street.Leave the old parking places for a loading and unloading zone,and a drop off for the movies.Problem solved.
Put it back the way it was and leave it alone. It was fine for decades till our city czar wanted to play traffic guru.
Put it back the way it was.
Put it back the way it was. I'm still trying to figure out who wanted it changed in the first place. I have to admit that only looking one way for the flow of traffic is safer for the kids. I do like the idea of building a parking lot where the building was torn down. Ever try to park around there when traffic court is going on?
Put it back the way it was originaly 200 years ago. It's worked "GREAT" for all those years so if it ain't broke don't waste money on trying to fix something that is not BROKE. Spend it somewhere useful. How about that for a change..
saddler two d's