Dear Editor,

As a shop owner in downtown Hartselle, I am a strong supporter of downtown progress. Providing functional, safe and enjoyable traffic conditions would be major step forward for the City of Hartselle.

The introduction of one-way streets for Hartselle would present numerous traffic complications for the city, including safety concerns and the inconvenience of slower traffic. The result: avoidance of downtown Hartselle.

The introduction of one-way streets would only add to certain existing traffic concerns often expressed by shoppers. Among the most serious is the protruding islands situated at the corners of the two traffic lights. They make it very difficult for drivers to turn right or left at the intersections. For motorists turning at the traffic light, the islands increase the possibility of either colliding with a waiting motorist or striking the island.

A second frequently expressed concern is the interrupted traffic flow on Main Street. Rather than solving problems, the one-way traffic flow seems to generate additional ones. The restricted one-way flow makes crossing Main Street especially frustrating and difficult for pedestrians who must wait twice as long. When East-West and West-East traffic flow together, the results are a safer and more effective traffic situation that accommodates drivers and pedestrians alike. Given the flowing together of traffic, the needlessly time-consuming and safety risk conditions are corrected.

Rachel Slate, Owner

Holladay Antiques