One way streets must go!

I have always hated the one way streets in Crookston.  First of all, it encourages drivers to drive to the maximum speed limit, 35 mph through the heart of downtown. So much so that every year the police department has to put out those yellow markers to watch for pedestrians.  People in cars speeding past them do not even look to the sides for pedestrians wanting to cross the street. Talking on your cell phone while going 35 mph is just not right!  Trucks taking the "shortcut" through town drop their chicken feathers and noise all over the place.   Now granted we don't have too much to offer to look at (yet) but at least slow down enough to watch for pedestrians. Furthermore, if you are a retailer, only one side of your window and building can be seen.  Retailers hurting for business downtown get only 1/2 the chance to advertise! 

Furthermore you can no longer tell me it can't be done.  Just look at Fargo: 

Fargo to convert two major downtown runways

By Associated Press

Crookston Daily Times

Posted Dec 05, 2011 @ 09:26 PM

Fargo, N.D. —

North Dakota's largest city in coming years will be converting two major downtown one-way streets to two-way traffic.
After a decade of discussion, Fargo leaders voted last week to convert NP and First avenues, which have been one-ways for more than half a century. Reconstruction could start as early as 2013, with the multimillion-dollar project taking years to complete. Eventually, each avenue will have two lanes in the current direction and one lane in the opposite direction, along with a bike lane.
The vote was 3-1, with Commissioner Dave Piepkorn (PEP'-kohrn) casting the lone dissenting vote. He worries about increased traffic congestion downtown. But many business owners back the move, saying it will bring more business and investment downtown.

Copyright 2011 Crookston Times. Some rights reserved

 

So what do you think, Crookston?

 

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