Two weeks ago I broke the story on Washington County Insider about a proposal to change the 500 block of S. Second Avenue in West Bend from a two-way street to a one way.
That item will be brought up in a hearing tonight at 6:30 p.m. at West Bend City Hall as the Traffic Safety Commission considers the request.
Police Chief Ken Meuler has received some input from neighbors on the proposal including this letter from Rick and Linda Bruss, 503 S. Third Avenue.
“We are against making Second Avenue into a one-way street.
I realize that one of the concerns, from some of the Second Avenue residents, is parking. This concern is no different on any other ‘older road,’ in town.
Garages are small, people don’t park in them in summer because it’s easier to park outside rather than keep their garage clean for inside parking.
There is ample parking on Oak, Maple, and Second Avenue. North and south of the block some people think they own the space in front of their home. Sorry, the city owns the road!
Enclosed are several reasons why I think Second Avenue should be kept a two-way street.
Editor’s note: three pages of reasons were enclosed – I picked a couple to share.
– The Kilbourn/Second Street crossing and Water Street are the only way to get from the east side to the west side between Decorah Road and Highway 33.
-There is a high volume of traffic on Second and Third, Maple and Oak.
-Not only will Maple and Third take all the traffic from Second and Oak, cars will be looking for the shortest route to Kilbourn by going down the alley between Second and Third Avenue.
-Sure, you can put signs up – people will still use the alley.
-We have the same problem on third Avenue with parking. The road is full in winter.
-I believe changing the traffic pattern on Second Avenue will change traffic patterns on Oak, Maple, and Third Avenue. Not for the better!
Currently there is no parking on the east side of Second Avenue.