As described by Stemle, Padgett “relies on one-way streets to provide ample clearance when its trucks transport wide loads.” I can’t stop yawning, so let’s just turn back the hands of time and rename the city New Padgettbany.
But as usual, Jeff G nails it:
Land use code is a long-term solution but, like many other places, we can’t continually grant waivers and expect it to matter. In the shorter term. those trucking companies should be doing everything in their power to avoid densely populated streets. If they won’t do that voluntarily, then we need to address it on a civic level. The idea that a largely residential urban grid should be set-up to specifically accommodate comparatively rare wide loads is absurd. A specified truck route might be helpful but, to the extent these trucking companies are currently using those streets for those loads sans any flagging/escort/safety effort of their own, they should be granted the same level of respect they’ve shown, i.e., they should be legally required to do so. At that point, their concerns become less of an issue.
Consider that a platform plank, Jim.
New Albany residents sound off on plan that would convert one-way streets, by Cary Stemle (Louisville Business First)
More than 100 New Albany residents turned out Thursday evening for their first opportunity to comment on a street study that advocates converting many of the city’s one-way downtown streets to two-way.
The best reason for assuming that Gahan and his minions will botch this opportunity can be found in this paragraph, which quotes the mayor.
“This is democracy in action,” he said. “We have a reputable study from a reputable, nationally recognized city planner who studied our street grid. … We’ll be taking everything we can into consideration. This is a compromise situation. The goal is to improve the city for everyone.”
Apologies for being out of town and missing the first meeting. That won’t happen again.