ROANOKE (WSLS) - The City of Roanoke is considering traffic pattern changes that could impact drivers, pedestrians and business leaders. City planners are working on a long-range plan for downtown Roanoke. On Tuesday, the planning office held a public input session for residents to weigh in on proposed changes including possibly converting Church Ave and other streets from one-way to two-way traffic.
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"We want to look at the one-way streets and see how does that network function," said Frederick Gusler, Senior City Planner for Roanoke. "What's the best use of those streets for the long-term?"
Gusler said the goal is to increase the flow of traffic and reduce confusion for drivers downtown. Matt Bullington, owner of Texas Tavern, said he and other business owners along Church Avenue are against the proposed plan.
"We are the ones that will have to bare the burden if it doesn't go well," said Bullington.
Bullington said on-street parking is a key concern. The current one-way traffic pattern provides customers easy access to businesses. Bullington believes allowing vehicles to travel in both directions could eliminate prime parking spaces especially along the narrow block between Jefferson and First.
Gusler said the city will examine the potential impact street conversions could have on parking as well as economic development. He said similar changes made in the past were successful.
"Salem and Campbell where once one-way streets and we converted them back to two-way in the early 2000's," said Gusler. "What we've seen there is that those streets have done well."
On the other hand, store owners say the current one-way traffic pattern works and should not be changed.
"There are benefits and drawbacks to both," said Bullington. "I think the benefits don't outweigh the drawbacks of going two-way."
Gusler said the city is still collecting public input. He said they hope to have a plan submitted by the Fall.