Main Street in July 2015. Photo by Peter Blanchard/Cortland Voice
CORTLAND, N.Y. — A public meeting scheduled Thursday night will give local residents the opportunity to learn about the potential benefits and drawbacks of converting Main Street to two-way traffic.
The meeting will take place from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. this evening at the Cortland Repertory Theatre at 24 Port Watson Street.
The city of Cortland was awarded a $35,000 state grant last year to conduct a traffic circulation and accessibility study of Main Street between Clinton Avenue and Port Watson Street. The project includes investigation and analysis of traffic circulation and congestion, safety, parking, freight deliveries, transit, bicycles and pedestrians.
Many local residents will recall that Cortland's Main Street once allowed for two-way traffic. Beginning in the late 1950s, however, the city of Cortland began converting portions of Main Street to one-way traffic, allowing city planners to increase the amount of parking spaces available in the downtown district.
Some studies have shown that converting major downtown streets back to two-way traffic can lead to improved traffic flow and reduced driver confusion.
In a July 2015 Cortland Voice poll, 65 percent of readers said they would like to see the street converted to two-way traffic.
If you are unable to make Thursday's meeting, you can also share your thoughts in an online survey.
